Disbarred attorney and reality TV personality Peet Viljoen will remain in custody after the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court denied his bail application on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Also see: Watch: Peet Viljoen arrested at OR Tambo upon returning to South Africa
News24 reported that Peet is facing about 400 charges, including fraud, theft, corruption and forgery, linked to an alleged multimillion-rand property scheme involving properties belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
Court rules Viljoen a flight risk
Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe reportedly found Peet to be a flight risk, one of the key reasons his bail application was unsuccessful.
The State also raised concerns about possible interference with witnesses, including allegations that Peet had threatened the investigating officer, reported NovaNews.
The State argued that Peet did not have a permanent residence in South Africa after being deported from the United States. His defence had proposed bail of R250,000, with Peet staying under house arrest at his sister’s home in Pretoria and reporting to police daily.
Mel Viljoen is seen crying as Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe denies bail to her husband, disbarred attorney and reality TV personality Peet Viljoen. He faces more than 400 charges, including fraud and corruption. eNCA’s @Sli_Masikane reports. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/AdTJBoEsPY
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 17, 2026
Also see: SARS becomes Mel and Peet Viljoen’s latest foe
More than 400 charges
The charges relate to allegations surrounding the sale and transfer of Johannesburg municipal properties around 2010.
According to eNCA, Peet and other accused allegedly facilitated the fraudulent sale of dozens of properties without the City of Johannesburg’s knowledge or consent. The alleged scheme involved properties valued at approximately R27 million.
The City of Johannesburg has previously said the matter involves allegations that city-owned properties were unlawfully transferred and sold, resulting in financial prejudice to the municipality.
Peet was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 16 June 2026 after being deported from the United States. He had reportedly spent around 100 days in US immigration custody before returning to South Africa.
Case postponed to September
Following Monday’s bail ruling, Peet will remain in custody while the criminal case continues. The matter has been postponed to 4 September 2026. The National Prosecuting Authority has welcomed the court’s decision to deny bail.
Also see: SEE: Mel Viljoen released from ICE custody, shares first picture
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