Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen considered flight risk
Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe cited concerns over Viljoen's alleged threats, lack of a fixed address and potential flight risk in denying him bail.
Disbarred attorney Peet Viljoen was denied bail in Pretoria's Specialised Commercial Crime Court, preventing his departure following his recent deportation from the United States. The courtroom was sparse, with his spouse Mel Viljoen visibly upset by the magistrate's decision. The judge, Nicca Setshogoe, expressed concerns about Viljoen being a flight risk and potential interference in the ongoing investigation.
Viljoen faces 400 charges related to a massive property fraud scheme, and he was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport on June 16. His legal team argued that the state had ample time to investigate, but the court agreed with the prosecution that he posed a flight risk and lacked stability in South Africa. The couple's past troubles include a shoplifting case in Florida and Tammy Taylor's nail brand controversies.
The matter will be revisited on September 4. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the court's decision, stating that his lack of a fixed address in South Africa bolstered their case that he would not return to face charges.
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