Crowdfunding platform BackaBuddy has officially removed a campaign established to assist former reality television star Peet Viljoen with his burgeoning legal costs. The fundraiser, which sought to secure R400,000, was taken down on 7 July 2026, with the organisation confirming that all eligible donations would be systematically refunded to contributors.
Platform Standards And Policy Compliance
The campaign was initiated by a family friend, Tammy van der Merwe, shortly before Peet Viljoen’s scheduled appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for a bail application. In an official statement, BackaBuddy explained that the decision to terminate the listing was made in accordance with the platform’s terms and conditions to uphold the integrity of its community.
Decisions like this are never taken lightly and are guided entirely by our commitment to fairness, transparency, and platform trust.
By the time the page was removed, it had accumulated approximately R3,500 in public contributions. The platform emphasised that its procedures for closing campaigns are strictly enforced to protect both donors and the reputation of the crowdfunding ecosystem.
Legal Challenges And Financial Context
Peet Viljoen is currently facing a total of 400 criminal charges, including fraud, forgery, and perjury, stemming from a 2010 property corruption scandal. The fundraising effort drew significant criticism and public scrutiny due to the couple’s well-documented past assertions of personal wealth and their high-profile involvement in the Tammy Taylor Nails franchise.
Explaining her decision to take ownership of the campaign, Mel Viljoen cited the couple’s current financial situation amidst their ongoing legal disputes. During her comments, she remarked, “Remember, my money is stuck in America. I have some spending money and some clothes and food and that stuff, but it might take me a year to cash out my bitcoins and stuff.” The couple recently returned to South Africa following their deportation from the United States in March 2026, where they had been detained for alleged shoplifting and visa violations.
Peet Viljoen is expected to proceed with his formal bail application in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.