Businesswoman and reality TV personality Mel Viljoen has come under scrutiny after releasing a video defending her husband, disbarred lawyer, Peet Viljoen, who is facing hundreds of criminal charges linked to an alleged multi-million rand property fraud case.
Also see: Watch: Peet Viljoen arrested at OR Tambo upon returning to South Africa
Peet Viljoen faces hundreds of charges
Peet is expected to appear in court on Friday, where he faces approximately 400 charges, including fraud, corruption, forgery, and theft. Prosecutors allege that Peet was involved in the unlawful sale of municipal property in 2010, resulting in substantial financial losses.
The case has attracted widespread public attention due to the severity of the allegations and the Viljoens’ high-profile status.
Disbarred lawyer and reality TV personality Peet Viljoen will appear in court on Friday. He faces 400 charges of fraud, corruption, forgery and theft. He is accused of illegally selling municipal property in 2010. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/h1OGJWwRuI
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 26, 2026
Mel Viljoen’s defence sparks criticism
Adding to the controversy, Mel recently released a video in which she publicly defended her husband and challenged the claims made by some of the alleged victims.
Her remarks have triggered criticism online, with some social media users accusing her of blaming the victims who allege they were defrauded. Critics have argued that her comments appeared to shift responsibility away from the accused and onto those claiming financial losses.
Mel Viljoen Right Blames the Victims For Being Defrauded By Her Husband? Yet She Doesn’t Know That They’ve Got Evidence
Businesswoman Mel Viljoen has come under scrutiny after releasing a video defending her husband, Peet Viljoen, who is facing charges in connection with an… pic.twitter.com/4lTSsEOZnz
— Crime_spotterSA (@Crime_SpotterSA) June 26, 2026
Also see: Mel Viljoen reflects on harrowing ICE detention ordeal: ‘I was in hell’
Claims of evidence against the accused
The backlash has been further fuelled by claims that complainants and investigators have gathered evidence related to the alleged fraud scheme. Some commentators have questioned the decision to publicly dismiss the allegations while the matter remains before the courts.
Supporters of the alleged victims have expressed concern over what they perceive as attempts to discredit those who have come forward, while others have called for the legal process to be allowed to proceed without public interference.
Court appearance expected to draw attention
Peet’s court appearance on Friday is expected to attract significant public and media interest as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
As the case progresses, attention is likely to remain focused not only on the charges themselves but also on the public reaction surrounding one of South Africa’s most high-profile legal controversies.
Also see: Mel and Peet Viljoen open up about life behind bars
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