In a dramatic twist, a South African Revenue Service (SARS) official handed Mel Viljoen a final demand letter in a Pretoria courtroom on Thursday, ordering her to file personal tax returns for the years 2022 through 2025 within 10 days. The timing could not have been more inopportune, as Mel was at the Commercial Crimes Court to support her husband, Peet, whose bail application was continuing that day.
SARS Delivers Final Blow Amid Peet's Bail Hearing
The SARS official, who initially took a seat beside Mel in the courtroom, handed her the document containing the final demand. Mel, who served as a director of the Tammy Taylor franchise business, described SARS's approach as "intimidating and bullying." The document, however, made no reference to the Tammy Taylor business.
Mel was visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events, and her husband, Peet, who has been held at Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Pretoria for approximately six weeks, will likely face increased pressure as he awaits the outcome of his bail application. He faces 400 charges connected to the alleged theft of state property valued at R27 million, which prosecutors claim was sold through illegal means.
Tax Difficulties Have Been Building for Some Time
The latest development is part of a string of legal and financial pressures that have followed the couple since their return to South Africa after spending time in the United States. Their tax difficulties had already been building for some time: SARS secured a default judgment of R14.1 million against Peet roughly six months before the couple departed for America in May 2025.
The couple's return to South Africa has been marked by a series of challenges, including the ongoing court case against Peet. The bail application, which is set to continue on August 19, 2026, will determine whether Peet will be granted temporary release while he awaits trial.
Mel Speaks Out Against SARS's Approach
Speaking to Netwerk24, Mel did not hold back, criticizing SARS's approach as "intimidating and bullying." Her comments come as the couple faces mounting financial and legal pressures. The outcome of Peet's bail application will have significant implications for the couple's future, and Mel's comments suggest that she is not backing down in the face of SARS's demands.
The case continues to unfold, with the outcome of Peet's bail application set to be determined on August 19, 2026. In the meantime, Mel and Peet will continue to face the challenges of their tax difficulties and the ongoing court case against Peet.
Source: Briefly
