Disbarred attorney and reality TV personality Peet Viljoen was denied bail by Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday 17 August 2026. His wife Mel Viljoen was seen crying after the ruling. Image: Elisma van der Watt
The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court denied Peet Viljoen bail on Monday 17 August 2026. Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe delivered the Peet Viljoen bail denied ruling after finding he poses a flight risk. Furthermore, the court found he has no fixed address in South Africa. As a result, Viljoen returns to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre until his next court date on 4 September 2026.
Magistrate Setshogoe outlined several reasons for the decision. Viljoen has no fixed address in South Africa. The court noted fraud cases it had registered against him between 2021 and 2023 for allegedly selling Tammy Taylor franchises fraudulently while already out on bail. Furthermore, the magistrate raised concerns about allegations that Viljoen intimidated state witnesses and the investigating officer. The prosecutor also told the court Viljoen said on social media he would never return to South Africa. As a result, the court rejected the defence argument that he was not a flight risk.
His legal team offered R200,000 bail and proposed house arrest at his sister’s home in Pretoria with daily police reporting. Defence lawyer Andre Steenkamp argued Viljoen’s return showed his intention to face trial. “This is not a man who is a flight risk,” Steenkamp said. “It’s true that a US court deported him, but he begged for it.” Furthermore, Viljoen told the court he plans to sue the NPA for R500 million for what he calls an unlawful prosecution. As a result, the court rejected the defence position and denied bail outright.
Mel Viljoen cried in court after the ruling. Her public rehabilitation campaign, including an Instagram apology and media appearances, did not shield the couple from the consequences of their criminal case. Furthermore, US courts issued bench warrants for both Peet and Mel after their deportation. The couple faces arrest if they return to the United States. As a result, the Viljoens face serious legal exposure in two countries at the same time.
Viljoen faces more than 400 charges including fraud, theft, corruption, forgery, uttering and perjury. The charges link to an alleged scheme involving the fraudulent sale of 46 Johannesburg Property Company properties in 2010 valued at approximately R27.6 million. The Hawks arrested him at OR Tambo on 16 June 2026 after his deportation from the United States. He had spent roughly 100 days in US immigration custody after police arrested him in Florida for allegedly switching price tags at a Publix supermarket on groceries worth more than R87,000. Furthermore, the NPA welcomed the ruling. “As the state, we welcome the ruling by the court to deny Viljoen bail,” NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said. As a result, the State intends to keep Viljoen in custody while the case proceeds.
For more on NPA proceedings visit npa.gov.za.
Editors Note Peet Viljoen is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No court has proven any of the charges. Viljoen is due back in court on 4 September 2026. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.