Peet Viljoen’s R400 000 legal defence fundraiser shut down by BackaBuddy

A crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising R400 000 to support the legal defense of Peet Viljoen, a disgraced attorney currently in custody, has been terminated by the fundraising platform BackaBuddy. The campaign was launched just seven days earlier by Tammy van der Merwe in collaboration with Viljoen's wife, Melany, who expressed hopes that the public would assist in alleviating the financial strain associated with his ongoing legal battles. The initiative sought to gather funds to cover the legal expenses incurred during Viljoen’s trial, particularly as he awaits the decision on his bail application. However, the campaign page now displays a message indicating that the fundraiser has been officially closed. According to BackaBuddy, the closure aligns with their platform policies designed to ensure the safety and trust of all users involved. They emphasized that such decisions are made with careful consideration and are based solely on their dedication to maintaining fairness, transparency, and the overall trust within their community. In response to the closure, BackaBuddy informed donors that all eligible contributions are undergoing systematic refunds. Those affected are encouraged to reach out directly to the support team for inquiries about the status of their refunds. The platform acknowledged the generous support of its donors and expressed gratitude for their role in upholding a secure environment for meaningful charitable contributions. Van der Merwe had initiated the campaign by appealing to the public for assistance in supporting what she described as Viljoen's struggle for "freedom and due process." She recounted how Mel and Peet's lives had undergone significant changes, prompting her request for collaboration in this endeavor. Her message conveyed a sense of solidarity and compassion, urging others to join in showing kindness and love in accordance with Christian values. Viljoen recently appeared in court, where the case was postponed pending the resolution of his bail application. Since his arrest by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit at OR Tambo International Airport on June 16, he has remained in custody. The 57-year-old faces multiple charges including fraud, theft, forgery, uttering, and contravening Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. These charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by the Hawks concerning allegations related to the fraudulent sale of properties belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), an entity fully owned by the City of Johannesburg. It was alleged that during May 2010, several properties owned by JPC were sold to unsuspecting buyers without the company receiving payment for these transactions, leading to considerable financial loss. Initially reported to local police stations in Sandton and Boschkop, the case was subsequently forwarded to the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for further examination. In addition to these domestic legal issues, Viljoen has garnered international attention following his and his wife's arrest in Boca Raton, Florida, in March 2026, over allegations of involvement in an organized retail theft scheme involving over $5,000 worth of groceries from a supermarket. While the couple denied intentional participation in the scheme, U.S. authorities claimed that surveillance footage indicated otherwise. As the legal processes unfold, organizers of the crowdfunding campaign continue to encourage the public to contribute to ease the financial burden of Viljoen's legal defense. Despite the recent setback with the termination of the campaign, there remains an expectation that individuals might still find alternative means to support him through other channels. The situation highlights the complex interplay between personal legal challenges and the broader implications of public funding mechanisms in contemporary society.