The crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy has removed a fundraising campaign for former lawyer Peet Viljoen’s legal costs whilst his bail application continues in court.

Viljoen appeared in court on Wednesday for his bail application, facing approximately 400 charges including fraud and corruption. The state alleges he is connected to a scheme involving the illegal sale of municipal properties through shell companies and forged documents. The state has indicated it will oppose his bail application.

The fundraising campaign was previously launched by Viljoen’s wife and celebrity Housewife, Mel, to raise money for his legal costs.

Before the campaign was closed, it had raised just over R3 000. The majority of public messages posted alongside donations were supportive, with donors wishing the couple strength and support during the legal process.

However, not all responses were positive. One donor contributed R20 with the comment: “I thought you were millionaires.”

Visitors to the campaign page are now greeted with a notice stating that the campaign has been closed “in accordance with BackaBuddy’s platform standards and terms and conditions”.

The organisation says the decision was taken to protect donors, campaign creators and the integrity of the platform.

“Decisions such as this are never taken lightly and are entirely guided by our commitment to fairness, transparency and trust on the platform,” the notice reads.

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BackaBuddy has also confirmed that donations which do not qualify are currently being systematically refunded to donors.

Whilst the platform has not disclosed the specific reason for the removal, its terms and conditions state that campaigns may be removed if they cannot be satisfactorily verified, involve legal or reputational risks, or could harm the integrity of the platform. The platform also reserves the right to suspend or close campaigns if they do not meet its requirements.

The removal of the fundraising campaign comes amid growing public interest in Viljoen’s criminal case, which is still before the court.

Court proceedings regarding his bail application continue, with the state arguing that the allegations against him are serious and relate to the alleged illegal sale of municipal properties.

This article was originally published in Die Papier.

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