Cape Town – Peet Viljoen, the husband of reality television personality Mel Viljoen, has been arrested upon his return to South Africa and is expected to appear in court on charges linked to an alleged property fraud scheme dating back to 2010.
According to The South African, Viljoen arrived in South Africa on Tuesday evening after being released from a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centre.
The 57-year-old was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 18 June.
Peet Viljoen was arrested at ORT tonight. It is reportedly regarding the Johannesburg Metro Properties case that he was arrested for alongside 8 other suspects – 3 suspects pleaded guilty in 2011. However the case has been dragging on for years and was removed from the roll. It… https://t.co/kBi997rU9i pic.twitter.com/9mMclIjjNN
— Bianca van Wyk (@BiancavanWyk16) June 16, 2026
The disbarred lawyer has previously faced legal troubles in the United States relating to shoplifting and overstaying a visitor visa. He and his wife have also attracted public attention following a Carte Blanche investigation into the sale of allegedly fraudulent Tammy Taylor Nails franchises, as well as controversy over racist comments made on social media.
In a statement cited by The South African, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Viljoen’s arrest follows an extensive investigation into allegations surrounding the unlawful transfer of municipal properties belonging to the Johannesburg Metro. The matters, which date back to 2010, were referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for further investigation.
[BREAKING] Peet Viljoen has been arrested on arrival in South Africa from the US. The disgraced lawyer was deported after a shoplifting accusation. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403 for more on this. pic.twitter.com/FuGHZSNqpu
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 17, 2026
According to The Citizen, Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed the arrest.
“A 57-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 18 June 2026, following his arrest by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit at OR Tambo International Airport on 16 June 2026,” Mogale said.
She added that the suspect was arrested on allegations of fraud, theft, forgery, uttering, and contravention of Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004.
Mogale said the investigation centres on the alleged fraudulent sale of properties owned by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), an entity wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg.
“It is alleged that during May 2010, several properties owned by the Johannesburg Property Company were unlawfully sold to unsuspecting bona fide purchasers,” she said.
“Despite the properties being transferred and sold, the Johannesburg Property Company reportedly did not receive payment for the transactions, resulting in substantial financial prejudice.”
According to Mogale, the cases were initially reported at the Sandton and Boschkop police stations before being referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.
Meanwhile, Mel Viljoen confirmed her husband’s arrest on her Instagram Stories. The reality television star shared a link to a podcast clip in which Peet Viljoen spoke about being targeted by what he described as “corrupt police” and “untouchable businessmen”.
“I believe he was arrested for speaking up on this video,” she wrote.
The matter is expected to be heard in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
