Picture: Oupa Bopape / Gallo Images
As if they don’t have enough legal woes, couple Melany ‘Mel’ Viljoen and Petrus ‘Peet’ Viljoen are now adding the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to their list of mounting legal troubles.
Also see: Happy Simelane sues Mel Viljoen, wants R1 million for defamation
Mel and Peet Viljoen attract SARS’ attention
According to IOL, a SARS officer was present at Pretoria’s Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and briefly met with Mel during a break. The former The Real Housewives of Pretoria star was at court to support her husband during his bail application. The officer reportedly wanted to discuss their alleged outstanding tax returns, to which Mel allegedly replied, “Let us rather concentrate at this stage on Peet’s bail.”
Mel spoke to Netwerk24 about her interaction with the taxman representative, stating, “I am being targeted.”
Mel claimed the warrant made no mention of the Tammy Taylor franchise business, where she was a director, and accused SARS of using what she described as “intimidating and bullying” tactics. Regarding the Tammy Taylor business, several investors have alleged that they paid substantial amounts to buy into salon franchise opportunities that were ultimately never established, leaving them out of pocket.
Also see: Mel Viljoen opens up about her appeal for donations towards Peet Viljoen’s legal fees
Trouble from the States to Mzansi
The latest tax dispute adds to a growing list of legal and financial challenges the couple has faced since returning to South Africa after spending time in the United States. According to Briefly News, about six months before leaving for the United States in May 2025, SARS obtained a default judgment against Peet for R14.1 million in unpaid tax debt.
Also see: Watch: Peet Viljoen arrested at OR Tambo upon returning to South Africa
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