JOHANNESBURG — Former attorney Peet Viljoen has been arrested by the Hawks at OR Tambo International Airport after returning to South Africa from the United States, as authorities pursue a long-running fraud investigation spanning more than a decade.
The arrest places renewed focus on Peet and his wife, Mel Viljoen, the former CEO of Tammy Taylor SA and a cast member on kykNET’s The Real Housewives van Pretoria.
According to the Hawks, the 57-year-old was arrested on June 16, 2026, and is expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, June 18.
He faces allegations including fraud, theft, forgery, uttering and contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
The investigation centres on the alleged unlawful sale of Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) assets, with authorities claiming municipal properties were transferred without payment being received, resulting in significant financial losses.
US trademark ruling and departure to the United States
Court records show the Viljoens were also previously at the centre of a major US legal dispute involving the “Tammy Taylor” brand.
In 2025, the United States District Court for the Southern District of California ruled in favour of Tammy Taylor Nails, Inc (Case No 3:24-cv-00624).
It subsequently ordered the couple to immediately cease and desist all use of the brand and awarded the US-based parent company $4 million (approximately R71 million) in damages for trademark infringement and breach of contract.
The ruling marked a significant legal setback and was followed by the couple’s relocation to the United States.
During and after the move, the Viljoens publicly aligned themselves with pro-MAGA political narratives.
They repeated claims that framed certain white South Africans as facing persecution, linking their relocation to broader safety concerns and political tensions in South Africa.
Tammy Taylor vs the Viljoens – Trademark Case Summary
What we know so far
- Peet was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on June 16, 2026.
- The case relates to alleged fraudulent sales of Johannesburg municipal properties.
- Charges include fraud, theft, forgery, uttering and corruption-related offences.
- Investigations by the Hawks remain ongoing.
Arrest follows recent US detention
Peet’s latest arrest comes months after he and his wife were detained in Boca Raton, Florida.
US authorities accused the couple of participating in an alleged organised retail theft scheme involving a supermarket chain.
The case attracted international attention after reports alleged a pattern of “ticket switching” involving grocery purchases.
The couple denied wrongdoing, with Mel later describing the incident as a payment-related misunderstanding.
Crime and investigation specialist Mike Bolhuis has previously documente multiple legal disputes involving the Viljoens, including property-related litigation and franchise-related court battles.
Related Coverage: The Real Housewives van Pretoria star Mel Viljoen in the spotlight again | Mike Bolhuis details timeline of allegations
