South Africa: Peet Viljoen Arrested On Arrival At or Tambo
The disbarred lawyer faces allegations dating to 2010 after an NPA probe into the illegal transfer of municipal buildings in Johannesburg Metro.
- On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, authorities arrested Peet Viljoen at OR Tambo International Airport upon his return from the United States on fraud, theft, and corruption charges dating to 2010.
- Viljoen and his wife, Mel Viljoen, fled South Africa last year amid legal accusations; their March 2026 arrest in Florida for shoplifting goods worth more than $5,300 led to Peet's deportation after roughly 100 days in United States Immigration detention.
- Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed the arrest follows an investigation into the illegal transfer of municipal properties belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company, with properties allegedly sold to unsuspecting purchasers without the city receiving payment.
- The 57-year-old is expected to make his first court appearance at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, June 18, 2026, while Mel Viljoen confirmed the arrest on her Instagram Stories.
- This arrest adds to a history of controversy: Viljoen was disbarred in 2011 for "unprofessional, dishonourable and inappropriate behaviour," the couple faced scrutiny for selling fraudulent Tammy Taylor Nails franchises, and both admitted to posting racist comments about Black people on social media.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Reality bites — Peet Viljoen arrested at Tambo International on fraud charges
The former reality TV star’s woes continue following his deportation from the US. Shortly after arriving in South Africa, the Hawks arrested him in connection with a R100m property fraud scheme that was perpetrated 16 years ago.
South Africa: Peet Viljoen Arrested On Arrival At or Tambo
Peet Viljoen fled South Africa in July 2025 with active NPA warrants against him, including allegations involving over R70 million in stolen stock. Viljoen and wife Melany were arrested for shoplifting groceries in Florida in March 2026, detained by US immigration and deported back to South Africa.
Peet Viljoen returns to South Africa - arrested at airport
Peet Viljoen – the husband of Real Housewives star Mel Villjoen – has been arrested upon his return to South Africa. The disbarred lawyer, who faced legal woes in the US over shoplifting and overstaying their visitor visa, was nabbed at OR Tambo on charges of fraud, theft and corruption dating back to 2010. The Viljoens are known for a Carte Blanche feature exposing them for selling fraudulent Tammy Taylor Nails franchises. They’ve also made hea…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
