Peet Viljoen walked into the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday wearing a beige-and-black Hugo Boss tracksuit and matching designer trainers. The 57-year-old disbarred attorney told eNCA he was feeling "irritated."
His wife, Mel Viljoen – a star of the Real Housewives reality TV franchise – sat in the gallery wearing a long black trench coat. The couple recently returned to South Africa after being held in a US ICE detention centre for overstaying their visitor visa.
But the immigration issue is just the tip of the iceberg. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that Peet faces 400 criminal charges, including corruption, fraud, theft, perjury, and forgery. The charges relate to a property fraud scheme dating back to 2010.
During the brief appearance, Peet's lawyer asked the court to keep his client at the Sunnyside police station in Pretoria instead of a correctional centre. The attorney argued that prison conditions would make it "difficult to consult" with Peet. The court hasn't yet ruled on that request.
The state intends to oppose bail when Peet appears again on Friday, 26 June, citing the serious nature of the offences.
Peet's attempt to stop the media from filming the proceedings was denied.
The Viljoens have a long history of legal trouble. They were featured on a Carte Blanche investigation for selling fraudulent Tammy Taylor Nails franchises. In March, they were arrested for allegedly shoplifting more than $5,000 worth of groceries from their local supermarket. They've also made headlines for racist comments towards black people on social media.
Since returning to South Africa, Mel has been doing media interviews, asking the public for forgiveness. Speaking to Jacaranda FM, she said: "I'm begging and pleading with South Africans to give us a second chance and to judge us softly. We are honest and hardworking people."
She claimed the couple wanted to "start over" in Cape Town and had applied for a US business visa to launch Cuccio Nails South Africa. She said their immigration status was "pending" and that ICE and police "targeted" them because they're "celebrities."
- Peet Viljoen faces 400 criminal charges: corruption, fraud, theft, perjury, and forgery
- Charges stem from a 2010 property fraud scheme
- He appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 18 June 2026
- Next appearance: 26 June 2026 for formal bail application
- State intends to oppose bail
- He was recently deported from US after ICE detention for visa overstay
- He and his wife were arrested in March for shoplifting over $5,000 worth of groceries
- He is a disbarred attorney and former Tammy Taylor Nails franchise seller exposed by Carte Blanche