SARS officer questions Mel Viljoen as Peet Viljoen’s bail fight continues

Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen remains in custody as his contested bail application continues, while the tax authority has questioned his wife in court, according to IOL.

Brief SARS meeting with Mel Viljoen inside courtroom

According to IOL, an officer of the South African Revenue Service was in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Thursday and met briefly with Mel Viljoen during a break at court in connection with alleged outstanding tax returns. The details of that meeting are not known. When asked about it later, Mel told reporters,

“let us rather concentrate at this stage on Peet’s bail”

Multiple legal pressures on the couple

According to IOL, the couple are also facing legal pressure linked to the South African Tammy Taylor franchise saga, with investors alleging they invested large sums in salon franchises that never materialised. The prosecution, in opposing bail, submitted statements from some of these alleged victims; IOL reports that several of those complainants claimed they had been intimidated by Viljoen in the past. Viljoen has denied those claims, according to court reporting.

Criminal charges and custody background

According to IOL, Viljoen was taken to prison after his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport following his deportation from America on June 16. He is facing 400 charges, including fraud, theft, corruption, forgery and uttering, which IOL links to an alleged R27,6 million Johannesburg Property Company property fraud scheme.

Bail offer and conditions proposed by defence

According to IOL, Viljoen told the court he is prepared to pay R200,000 in total bail R150,000 now and allowing the State to use the remaining R50,000 on which he was previously released 16 years ago on the same charges. The court was also told, according to IOL, that Viljoen is prepared to remain under house arrest and to report daily to police if ordered to do so.

Address and perceived flight risk

According to IOL, the couple, who have portrayed a flashy lifestyle on social media in the past, would rely on Viljoen’s sister for accommodation if he is released because Viljoen has no fixed address in the country. The prosecution argued this supports their case that he is a flight risk.

Magistrate delays bail judgment

According to IOL, Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe ordered Viljoen to remain in prison until August 17, when she will deliver her judgment on bail. The magistrate acknowledged that bail is urgent but said she needed time to consider further documents relating to the case.

During the hearing, Mel Viljoen sat in the public gallery and provided visible support to her husband, including handing him water and notes, the court reporting says.