‘Racist’ Peet Viljoen denied bail in R27 million Johannesburg fraud case
Peet Viljoen was refused bail by a Pretoria court on Monday, 17 August 2026, after being deemed a flight risk in his ongoing fraud case.
Peet Viljoen, the disbarred Pretoria lawyer and reality television personality, has been denied bail on Monday, 17 August 2026. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court deemed him a significant flight risk.
The 57-year-old self-described “racist” faces over 400 charges, including fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and uttering. These charges link to an alleged R27.6 million property scam.
The charges stem from a 2010 Johannesburg Property Company scam. The prosecution argued his release opposes the interests of justice.
Peet Viljoen and international controversies
Viljoen was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 16 June 2026. This followed his deportation from the United States, where he and his wife, Mel, were arrested in March 2026.
They allegedly used a ticket-switching scheme at a Florida Publix supermarket. The stolen groceries exceeded $5 300 (R87 000) in value.
Defence lawyer Andre Steenkamp argued that Viljoen’s voluntary return demonstrated his intention to face trial.
Steenkamp argued: “This is not a man who is a flight risk.” He added: “It’s true that a US court deported him, but he begged for it.”
He proposed a R200 000 bail and house arrest.
Peet Viljoen remains in custody
Prosecutor Van Zyl opposed bail, citing Viljoen’s online claims that he would never return.
Van Zyl argued: “Common sense tells us his release is not in the interests of justice.”
Peet was remanded in custody, and he is due back in court on 4 September 2026.