18/06/2026
DISBARRED LAWYER PEET VILJOEN APPEARS IN COURT AFTER HAWKS ARREST OVER ALLEGED JHB PROPERTY FRAUD
PRETORIA – Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday following his arrest by the Hawks earlier this week in connection with an alleged property fraud scheme involving municipal properties in Johannesburg.
The 57-year-old was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday after returning to South Africa. He faces charges including fraud, theft, forgery, uttering, and contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
According to investigators, the case relates to the alleged fraudulent sale of properties belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) in 2010. The Hawks allege that several properties were transferred to buyers, but the proceeds were never received by the municipal entity, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Viljoen's latest legal troubles come just months after he made international headlines in the United States. In March 2026, Viljoen and his wife, reality television personality Melany Viljoen, were arrested in Boca Raton, Florida, on allegations of aggravated grand retail theft. Authorities alleged the couple participated in a months-long retail theft scheme involving a supermarket chain, with losses reportedly exceeding $5,300 (approximately R90,000). Investigators alleged that the pair worked together during dozens of transactions, accusations both denied through legal representatives.
Following their arrest, the couple was reportedly taken into the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid questions surrounding their immigration status. Court proceedings in the United States were still ongoing earlier this year.
Viljoen has been a controversial figure in South Africa for several years. He was previously struck from the roll of attorneys and has been linked to various legal disputes and business controversies that attracted national attention.
Further details regarding the alleged transactions and the extent of the losses are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the courts.
Viljoen remains an accused person, and the allegations against him have not been tested in court. As with all criminal matters, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
The matter has been postponed for further proceedings.