Pete was one of the defendants in a case involving the illegal sale and transfer of state property.
Reality TV star Mel Viljoen is ecstatic about a major breakthrough in her husband Pete Viljoen's long-running criminal case.
On July 10, Pete was acquitted of 399 criminal charges, bringing to an end a 15-year trial.
Mr Pete was one of the defendants in a case involving the illegal sale and transfer of state property in the Johannesburg Metro.
According to a statement from his family, the Supreme Court order clearing Pete of all charges was issued on April 30, 2024, but was only made public on July 10.
talk CitizenMel detailed the emotional and financial toll the incident has taken on them.
The reality TV star said the Supreme Court has restored his faith in the judicial system.
She added: “The financial impact of the false accusations against Pete has been enormous. It is unfortunate that it has taken 15 years for justice to be delivered. Pete was charged with 399 offences, not one of which was substantiated. All charges have been dropped, at a huge cost to ordinary taxpayers.”
Mel also stressed the devastating impact the allegations have had on him both personally and professionally.
“My husband was a lawyer to the stars. Pete was stripped of his position overnight. The idea of innocent until proven guilty is an illusion. Pete was turned away by his family and friends. He lost his practice, his fortune and his family in six months. Personally, people could never understand the love I had for him as I only ever saw him as a man who helped people.
“We lost many business opportunities because of these false accusations. It felt like a sword was being held over our heads all the time. Every time we appeared in court we had to endure reporters' photos with captions that implied my husband was guilty – far from reporting his innocence.”
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“Pete is suing the Police Minister” – Mel
Mel also revealed that her husband plans to take legal action against the Director of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Minister for Police.
She added: “But money can only ease the hurt and pain. He will never fully regain his honour and dignity. His children will never be able to erase the stain of having their father labelled a criminal.”
“I believe I lost at least 50 Tammy Taylor franchisees who refused to do business with me because of Pete's bad press. The legal fees were expensive and it cost a lot of money to prove Pete's innocence.”
Meanwhile, Pete said he would donate part of his civil lawsuit claim to groups that expose alleged wrongdoing at the NPA.
“It is shocking that the system is failing from within. A proper audit should be carried out at the NPA. I have been given notice to file a civil suit for R500 million against the Minister of Justice,” he said.
Mel concluded by expressing her excitement for their future.
“I am pleased that after 15 years, Pete will soon be re-admitted to practice law after being disbarred on charges that were determined to be illegal and unconstitutional. I keep a copy of the Supreme Court's order next to my bed.”
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