Reality TV star Mel Viljoen is elated after a significant development in her husband Peet Viljoen’s long-standing criminal case. Reported by The Citizen, on July 10, Peet was cleared of 399 criminal charges, marking the end of a grueling 15-year legal ordeal. The charges stemmed from allegations involving the unlawful sale and transfer of state property from the Johannesburg metro.
In a statement, the family revealed that the Supreme Court’s order to clear Peet of all charges was made on April 30 but was only announced publicly on July 10. The reality TV star expressed her renewed faith in the legal system following the court’s decision. “The financial impact of the false charges against Peet is almost immeasurable. It is sad to see that it took 15 years to see justice. Peet was charged with 399 charges, and not even one charge had merit. All charges were set aside at great cost to the average taxpayer,” Mel said.
Mel highlighted the devastating personal and professional impact of the charges on their lives. “My husband was a lawyer to the stars. Peet was stripped of his status overnight. The notion of innocent until proven guilty is an illusion. Peet saw family and friends turn their backs on him. He lost his practice, property, and family in six months. Personally, people could not understand my love for the man I only ever saw helping people,” she shared.
The false accusations not only tarnished Peet’s reputation but also resulted in significant financial losses. “We lost many business opportunities because of the false charges. There has always been a proverbial sword over our heads. We had to endure pictures taken by reporters at every court appearance with captions hinting my husband is guilty. Those same reporters were nowhere to report my husband’s innocence,” Mel said.
Peet plans to take legal action against the head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the minister of police. However, Mel emphasised that money could only partially soothe the harm and pain inflicted. “He will never fully regain his good name and dignity. His children cannot erase the stain of their father being labelled a criminal. We likely lost at least 50 Tammy Taylor franchisees who refused to do business with me due to Peet’s bad reputation. Lawyers are expensive, and we spent a lot to prove Peet’s innocence,” she added.
Meanwhile, Peet expressed his intention to donate part of his civil claim to organizations that expose alleged fraud at the NPA. “It is shocking to see the system fail from the inside. A proper audit should be conducted at the NPA. I have been given notice of my R500 million civil claim against the minister of justice,” he said.
Mel concluded by expressing her excitement for their future. “I am excited that Peet will be re-admitted to practice law soon, as he was disbarred from practicing law based on accusations that 15 years later were ruled unlawful and unconstitutional. I keep the now-framed Supreme Court’s order next to my bed,” she said.
