The legal woes surrounding former celebrity attorney Peet Viljoen and his wife, Mel Viljoen, continue to grow. The high-profile couple endured another difficult day in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Thursday.

Peet’s bid to secure his release from custody was delayed until 17 August 2026.

The Citizen reports that a SARS official was seen briefly speaking to Mel during a court recess. Reports indicate the engagement relates to alleged outstanding tax returns and a reported tax dispute linked to her business affairs.

While details remain unclear, reports have suggested the matter could involve an alleged tax debt of around R14m connected to her Tammy Taylor franchise operations.

When approached for comment outside court, Mel declined to discuss the tax matter.

She said the family’s immediate priority remains her husband’s legal battle. Peet Viljoen was arrested after arriving back in SA following his deportation from the US in June.

He is facing more than 400 criminal charges. These include fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and uttering.

The charges relate to an alleged R27.6m City of Johannesburg property fraud scheme dating back to 2010.

Full report in The Citizen