Peet and Mel Viljoen face more legal trouble as their online fundraising campaign for legal fees is shut down.
THINGS go from bad to worse for reality TV stars Peet and Mel Viljoen.
The couple, already in the spotlight for recent legal troubles, suffered another setback when an online fundraising campaign to help Peet (57) pay his legal fees was shut down within hours of launching.
Family friend Tammy Van Der Merwe started the BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, hoping to raise R400 000 for Peet’s legal costs.
However, the campaign was removed before it gained momentum, with only R3 500 donated before it was taken down.
In a statement, BackaBuddy said the campaign had been closed in line with its platform standards and terms and conditions.
“This campaign has been closed in line with BackaBuddy’s platform standards and Terms and Conditions, which we apply consistently to protect donors, campaign creators, and the integrity of our community.
“Decisions like this are never taken lightly and are guided entirely by our commitment to fairness, transparency, and platform trust,” said the crowdfunding platform.
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BackaBuddy also confirmed that all eligible donations would be refunded.
The latest development adds to an already difficult period for the couple.
Earlier this year, Peet and Mel (39) were arrested in Florida in the US after authorities alleged they repeatedly shoplifted groceries from a supermarket.
Instead of standing trial there, they entered immigration detention before eventually being deported to Mzansi.
When Peet arrived at O.R Tambo International Airport on 16 June, he was immediately arrested by the Hawks on an outstanding South African warrant.
Now, he faces more than 400 charges, including allegations of fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and perjury linked to the alleged fraudulent transfer and sale of Joburg Property Company properties.
The state alleges forged documents were used to unlawfully transfer city-owned properties and that a public official was bribed to facilitate these transactions.
Peet has not been convicted of the charges and remains before the courts.
Following his arrest, he was remanded in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre while awaiting the outcome of his bail proceedings.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.snl24.com ’
