Private investigator Mike Bolhuis and his company, Specialised Security Services (SSS), have terminated their cooperation agreement with reality television personality Mel Viljoen, accusing her of breaching the terms of the arrangement following the controversial BackaBuddy fundraising campaigns launched for her husband, Peet Viljoen.
The decision marks a dramatic turnaround after SSS announced earlier this month that Mel Viljoen had offered her “full and unconditional cooperation” in the investigations involving herself and her husband. At the time, Bolhuis described her willingness to assist as a positive step towards resolving several ongoing matters.
However, in a new public statement, SSS said the agreement had been cancelled because Viljoen allegedly failed to honour several key commitments.
According to the statement, one of the major sticking points was the launch of two BackaBuddy fundraising campaigns intended to raise up to R400,000 for Peet Viljoen’s legal defence. The campaigns were later removed by the crowdfunding platform. SSS alleged that Mel Viljoen knew about the campaigns but failed to inform or consult the investigators beforehand.
“She did not consult or inform Specialised Security Services about these campaigns; she acted independently, contrary to the spirit of the agreement,” Bolhuis said.
SSS also accused Viljoen of failing to cooperate as promised, delaying the submission of information relevant to ongoing investigations, participating in media interviews despite agreeing not to do so, and being aware of a protest held outside the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court during Peet Viljoen’s bail proceedings without notifying investigators.
“Owing to the aforementioned conduct by Mrs. Viljoen, which constitutes a clear and material breach of the signed agreement, Specialised Security Services has cancelled the cooperation agreement,” the statement reads.
Bolhuis said Viljoen’s conduct demonstrated “a lack of genuine commitment to the process of resolution”, alleging that she chose to pursue public campaigns and media engagement instead of providing the cooperation investigators required.
Despite ending the agreement, Bolhuis stressed that the investigations into Peet and Mel Viljoen would continue.
“It is crucial to emphasise that all investigations are ongoing. The cancellation of this cooperation agreement does not halt the investigative work. Specialised Security Services will continue to diligently and thoroughly complete these investigations in full support of the National Prosecuting Authority and the relevant authorities,” he said.
Peet Viljoen, the former attorney facing multiple fraud-related charges, remains before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where his bail application is expected to continue later this month. He is facing more than 400 criminal charges, including fraud, corruption, theft, forgery, perjury and uttering, linked to an alleged R27.6 million Johannesburg Property Company property fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege that between January and March 2010, Viljoen and several co-accused fraudulently sold 46 City of Johannesburg-owned properties using forged sale agreements, municipal resolutions, powers of attorney and other falsified documents, without the municipality’s knowledge or consent. The State also alleges that no proceeds from the sales were paid to the City and that a deputy registrar was bribed to facilitate the unlawful property transfers. Viljoen has denied the allegations and remains before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court while his bail application continues
