Peet Viljoen Not Guilty After 15 Years: From JPC Corruption Whistleblower to U.S. Bar Candidate
For over 15 years, South African attorney Peet Viljoen endured relentless prosecution and persecution. Targeted after exposing corruption inside the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), he became the subject of a politically driven case led by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) — a case that dragged on for more than a decade and led to his suspension by the Law Society.
Today, that fight is over. The High Court has set aside the entire case, confirming that Viljoen is not guilty. While the Law Society suspended him on the basis of this now-void case, fairness and justice dictate that he should be reinstated as a lawyer in South Africa.
At the same time, the United States has recognized Peet Viljoen’s South African legal degree as the equivalent of a U.S. law degree, granting him eligibility to sit for the Bar Exam in America. In other words: while South Africa punished him unfairly, America has acknowledged him as the equal of any U.S. lawyer.
The Origin: Whistleblowing Against JPC Corruption
In 2010, while working as a corresponding attorney, Peet Viljoen uncovered irregular financial transfers within the JPC, a company under the ANC-controlled City of Johannesburg. Acting on integrity, he reported the corruption and opened a case.
Instead of being protected, he faced prosecution in court and persecution in public life. False allegations were laid against him. The NPA pursued him relentlessly, while certain media outlets amplified the smear campaign.
The Turning Point: High Court Case No. 37/2024
On 26 April 2024, the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Division, Pretoria), before Justices Strijdom and Basson, handed down a decisive ruling in Case No. 37/2024.
The Court ordered:
All prior proceedings against Peet Viljoen were set aside.
The case was remitted, collapsing the NPA’s 15-year vendetta.
The judgment confirmed what he had always said: the charges were baseless, and he was innocent.
Suspension by the Law Society
It is crucial to note that the Law Society of South Africa (now LPC) suspended Viljoen because of this very case. With the High Court now confirming that the case was flawed and unjust, that suspension has no foundation.
By every legal and ethical standard, Peet Viljoen should be reinstated as a practicing attorney in South Africa.
Approved to Write the U.S. Bar — Equality Recognized
While South Africa delayed justice, the United States acted. American regulators reviewed both his legal qualifications and the High Court’s ruling, concluding that:
Peet Viljoen’s South African law degree is fully equivalent to a U.S. law degree.
He is eligible to sit for the U.S. Bar Examination.
This recognition places him on equal footing with any U.S.-trained lawyer — a remarkable acknowledgment of both his education and his legal career.
Why the Case Matters
Prosecution and Persecution: Peet Viljoen was punished for exposing corruption.
NPA Vendetta: His case shows how the NPA weaponized prosecution.
Law Society’s Role: His suspension was built on a case now set aside.
International Recognition: The USA recognizes his law degree as equal and has granted him Bar eligibility.
Final Word
For 15 years, Peet Viljoen endured prosecution in court and persecution in life. The Law Society suspended him because of a case now proven baseless. With the High Court’s ruling in his favor, he should be reinstated in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the United States has already recognized him as the equal of a U.S. lawyer, granting him the right to write the Bar Exam.
The message is clear: South Africa punished him, America recognized him — and history has vindicated him.