Peet Viljoen denied bail in R27.6m property fraud case

Peet Viljoen, a disbarred lawyer and reality television personality, has been denied bail by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. He faces more than 400 charges, including fraud, corruption, forgery, theft, and uttering.

The charges stem from an alleged R27.6 million property fraud scheme involving the Johannesburg Property Company. The allegations involve the unlawful sale of approximately 46 properties belonging to the City of Johannesburg in 2010.

During the proceedings, the defense argued that Viljoen was not a flight risk, noting his voluntary return to South Africa. However, the prosecution opposed bail, citing previous statements suggesting he might not return to the country. Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe ruled that Viljoen represents a significant flight risk. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the court's decision. The matter has been postponed to 4 September.