Controversial businessman and disbarred celebrity lawyer Peet Viljoen, is set to learn his fate today when the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria hands down its judgment on his bail application in connection with an alleged R27.6 million fraud scheme.
Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe is expected to deliver her ruling after reserving judgment on 24 July, when she indicated she required additional documentation from the prosecution before making a decision.
Viljoen has been held at Kgosi Mampuru Prison since his arrest in June at OR Tambo International Airport following his deportation from the United States, where he had been detained for approximately 100 days over an alleged shoplifting incident in Florida.
The former television personality faces more than 400 charges, including fraud, theft and corruption linked to an alleged property fraud scheme involving the Johannesburg Property Company in 2010.
Defence arguments
During the bail hearing, Viljoen’s lawyer, Andre Steenkamp, argued that his client should be released on bail, proposing an amount of R250 000. The defence maintained that Viljoen demonstrated he was not a flight risk by voluntarily returning to South Africa despite knowing he would be arrested upon arrival.
Steenkamp told the court that Viljoen was prepared to remain under house arrest at his sister’s home in Olympus, Pretoria, and report to police daily if ordered to do so.
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State opposition
The prosecution has strongly opposed the bail application, arguing that Viljoen poses a flight risk and that his release would not be in the interests of justice.
The State submitted approximately 480 pages of evidence and affidavits from co-accused individuals who have pleaded guilty, presenting what prosecutors described as a comprehensive case against granting bail.
Additional complications
Whilst Viljoen awaits the court’s decision, reports have emerged that his wife, Mel, is facing action from the South African Revenue Service regarding alleged outstanding tax debts.
The matter has attracted significant public attention due to Viljoen’s previous prominence as a celebrity lawyer and television personality.
The judgment is expected to be delivered at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today.
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