Disgraced lawyer, Peet Viljoen, has been arrested just moments after he landed at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday.
According to police, he faces charges dating back to 2010.
Viljoen just landed from New Jersey following his deportation from the United States after he was detained.
The arrest was confirmed by police.
“A 57-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following his arrest by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, June 16,” said National police spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale.
Mogale added that the accused has been charged with fraud, theft, forgery, uttering, and contravention of Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004).
“The arrest follows an extensive investigation into allegations relating to the fraudulent sale of properties belonging to the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), an entity wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg,” Mogale explained.
It is alleged that in May 2010, several properties owned by the Johannesburg Property Company were unlawfully sold to unsuspecting bona fide purchasers. Despite the properties being transferred and sold, the Johannesburg Property Company reportedly did not receive payment for the transactions, resulting in substantial financial prejudice.
“The cases were reported at Sandton and Boschkop police stations and were subsequently referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for further investigation,” Mogale added.
Viljoen and his wife, Mel, of The Real Housewives of Pretoria were arrested in the US for allegedly shoplifting. According to authorities, Viljoen and her husband, Peet, were charged with felony aggravated grand retail theft following an alleged six-month “ticket-switching” scheme at a Publix supermarket in Florida.
However, Mel has since dismissed the allegations as “a simple declined bank card misunderstanding”. Mel returned to SA weeks ago.
Viljoen is expected to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Pretoria on Thursday.
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
IOL
