Supporters of embattled Pretoria attorney Peet Viljoen have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R400,000 towards his mounting legal costs as he prepares to fight the hundreds of criminal charges he is facing.
The campaign, titled “Defense Fund Peet Viljoen,” was started just over a week ago and had attracted five donors, raising more than R3,500 at the time of publication against its R400,000 target. The fundraiser states that the money will go directly to the campaign creator and is intended to assist Viljoen and his family with his legal battle.
The appeal was initiated by Tammy van der Merwe alongside Viljoen’s wife, Melany Viljoen.
In the campaign description, Van der Merwe says the family’s circumstances changed dramatically in recent months.
“A few months ago Mel & Peet’s life changed forever. I asked Mel to start this project with me to support them in this fight for freedom and due process. Let’s take hands to support them. Let’s show them kindness in Christ and love,” the campaign reads.
The fundraising effort comes as Viljoen remains at the centre of a high-profile criminal case after being arrested upon his return to South Africa from the United States.
He is facing approximately 400 charges, including fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and uttering, linked to allegations that 46 properties belonging to the City of Johannesburg were fraudulently transferred using forged documentation in a scheme allegedly worth R27 million. Prosecutors have indicated they oppose his release on bail.
According to the BackaBuddy page, supporters believe Viljoen deserves “freedom and due process” and are appealing to the public to contribute towards what they describe as his defence.
The campaign remains open for donations, with organisers hoping public contributions will help cover the substantial legal costs associated with the ongoing case.
Cece Smith 