Former reality television personality Peet Viljoen (57) appeared briefly at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday 19 June, facing 400 counts of fraud worth R27 million, corruption, theft, uttering and forgery.
Viljoen and five other suspects who have not yet appeared in court allegedly fraudulently sold 46 City of Johannesburg properties to buyers between January and March 2010 without the city’s knowledge.
The accused allegedly forged documents including sales agreements, City of Johannesburg and Joburg Property Company (Pty) Ltd resolutions, powers of attorney, affidavits and applications under section 68(1) of the regulations under the Deeds Act 47 of 1937 to transfer the properties.
He also allegedly paid a deputy registrar employed by the Department of Land Affairs gratification to register the transfer deeds.
The fraud was discovered when the city conducted an audit of its immovable assets and noticed discrepancies. The Johannesburg High Court granted an application to return the properties to the city.
Viljoen was first arrested in 2010 and appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The matter was set to start de novo before a different magistrate at the same court.
However, Viljoen left the country in May 2025 before the matter could be re-enrolled. He was re-arrested on 16 June at OR Tambo International Airport after being deported from the United States.
From reality TV to immigration detention
Viljoen and his wife, Mel, became household names through their appearance on kykNET’s The Real Housewives of Pretoria, where they showcased a luxury lifestyle and their involvement in the Tammy Taylor Nails franchise.
However, their glamorous public image unravelled dramatically earlier this year when the couple was arrested in Boca Raton, Florida, on charges of aggravated grand retail theft.
American authorities alleged the pair engaged in a six-month “ticket-switching” scheme at a Publix supermarket between August 2025 and March 2026, swapping price labels from cheaper items onto more expensive goods. The alleged fraud involved 392 items across 52 transactions, totalling $5,302.17 (approximately R98 000).
The matter in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court was postponed to 26 June for bail investigations and a bail application. The state intends to oppose bail.
