Disbarred attorney Peet Viljoen has told the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria that he intends to institute a R500 million civil claim against the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), alleging that he has been subjected to an unlawful prosecution.
- Viljoen says he had no intention of evading justice
- Defence outlines future business and legal plans
- State opposes bail and submits additional evidence
- Social media posts become part of bail proceedings
- Arrest at OR Tambo also examined
- Demonstrators gather outside court
- Crowdfunding campaign closed
- Court to hear further arguments later this month
The disclosure emerged during his ongoing bail application, where an affidavit filed on his behalf was presented to the court by his legal representative.
Viljoen, who faces 400 charges including fraud and corruption, maintains that the prosecution against him lacks merit and says he intends to challenge the allegations through the courts.
The State, however, has strongly opposed his release on bail, arguing that the court should consider both the seriousness of the charges and additional evidence relating to his conduct.
At this stage, the allegations against Viljoen have not been tested during trial, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Viljoen says he had no intention of evading justice
In his affidavit, Viljoen argued that his conduct demonstrated a willingness to face legal proceedings in South Africa.
He told the court that, while detained in the United States, he could have sought deportation to Mexico, a country with which South Africa does not have an extradition treaty.
According to Viljoen, choosing not to pursue that option shows that he never intended to evade South African authorities.
He also stated that the criminal case against him has remained unresolved for approximately 16 years, describing the prolonged legal process as unjustified.
Defence outlines future business and legal plans
Viljoen informed the court that he intends applying for reinstatement as an attorney, with the application expected to be enrolled in court.
He also outlined plans to return to business, stating that he and his wife possess approximately R6 million worth of beauty industry stock and equipment.
According to his affidavit, the couple hopes to restart operations within the nail and beauty sector while also exploring plans to establish a coffee shop.
The defence presented these plans as evidence of stable future prospects should bail be granted.
State opposes bail and submits additional evidence
Prosecutor Willem van Zyl opposed the bail application and submitted documentation relating to Viljoen’s past and current legal matters.
Among the material presented were references to several criminal dockets reportedly registered against Viljoen and his wife, Mel Viljoen, relating to the Tammy Taylor nail franchise.
The prosecution also handed the court affidavits from individuals who allege they suffered financial losses.
In addition, the State argued that Viljoen’s affidavit stated there were no pending criminal matters against him in South Africa, an issue likely to be explored further during the bail proceedings.
The court has not yet made findings on these allegations.
Social media posts become part of bail proceedings
The prosecution also relied on transcripts of podcasts and online social media content allegedly published by Peet and Mel Viljoen.
Investigating officer Colonel Ursula Herfurth told the court that many of the online posts were removed shortly after Viljoen’s arrest.
According to Herfurth, the timing suggested an attempt to delete potentially relevant material.
Viljoen disputed the interpretation of the posts.
In his affidavit, he argued that many of the comments reflected criticism of government policy and should be understood within their broader context.
He acknowledged that some remarks were emotionally charged but maintained they were constitutionally protected expressions rather than evidence of criminal intent.
Arrest at OR Tambo also examined
Herfurth also described Viljoen’s conduct during his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport after his return from the United States.
According to the investigating officer, Viljoen threatened legal action against officers involved in the arrest and made insulting remarks during the encounter.
These claims form part of the evidence presented by the prosecution in opposing bail.
Viljoen has not accepted the State’s characterisation of his conduct.
Demonstrators gather outside court
Outside the Pretoria courthouse, a small group of demonstrators displayed placards expressing support for Viljoen.
Following the demonstration, social media users circulated claims suggesting the protesters had been paid to attend by Mel Viljoen, a former Real Housewives of Pretoria cast member.
No evidence was presented in court to substantiate those claims, and they remain unverified.
Crowdfunding campaign closed
Separately, a fundraising campaign launched on the crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy sought to raise R400,000 to assist with Viljoen’s legal expenses.
The campaign, reportedly initiated by family friend Tammy van der Merwe together with Mel Viljoen, was later removed from the platform.
Before its closure, the campaign had raised approximately R3,500.
Court to hear further arguments later this month
Viljoen remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre while the bail proceedings continue.
The matter has been postponed until 23 July, when his legal team is expected to respond to the prosecution’s allegations and continue arguments before the court.
The bail hearing will determine whether Viljoen will remain in custody pending trial. It is separate from the criminal trial itself, where the fraud and corruption charges will ultimately be tested through evidence and judicial findings.
