Viljoen Legal Crowdfunder Abruptly Axed
The controversy surrounding reality television star Mel Viljoen and her husband, Peet Viljoen, intensified on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, when a crowdfunding campaign aimed at covering his legal bills was abruptly shut down. The BackaBuddy campaign, launched by a family friend alongside Mel Viljoen, sought to raise R400,000 to assist with mounting defense costs but managed to secure only R3,500 before its termination.
BackaBuddy confirmed the fundraiser’s removal, stating it was taken down in strict compliance with platform standards and terms, promising that eligible donations would be fully refunded. The crowdfunding plea urged the public to “show them kindness,” drawing sharp criticism from local observers.
The legal saga erupted following Peet Viljoen’s arrest by the Hawks on 16 June 2026, immediately upon his deportation to South Africa from the United States following a separate shoplifting arrest in Florida. The disbarred attorney faces a daunting Schedule 5 legal battle consisting of 400 counts of fraud, corruption, theft, and forgery, linked to an alleged R27.6 million municipal property scam from 2010. Furthermore, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is actively opposing bail. During his appearance at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 8 July 2026, Viljoen’s bail application was officially postponed to 23 July 2026, forcing him to remain behind bars at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
The court proceedings on 8 July 2026 took a highly adversarial turn as Peet Viljoen went on the offensive. Speaking through his defense advocate, Andre Steenkamp, Viljoen officially declared his intention to sue the NPA for what he claims is an “unlawful prosecution.” The defense argued that Viljoen is not a flight risk, citing that he is eager to fight the charges and protect the beauty and cosmetics business he runs with his wife. Additionally, Viljoen detailed severe medical concerns, claiming that correctional facility officials have been dangerously lax in allowing him access to his essential asthma pump medication.
Meanwhile, drama has continued to brew outside the courtroom doors. In the days surrounding his latest appearances, the Viljoens have faced intense public backlash amidst internet allegations that Mel Viljoen allegedly hired crowds of people to stage artificial protests outside the court. Social media erupted with claims that individuals were paid to hold up signs supporting the couple and demanding Peet’s release in an attempt to manufacture favorable public and media bias. Mel Viljoen has fiercely denied these allegations.
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