(Image: Instagram)
Controversial former American's American dream appears to be fast falling apart real housewives of pretoria Stars Mel and Piet Viljoen.
about a month after it happened Arrested in Florida for aggravated retail theftA South African couple may soon be sent back home, with US authorities reportedly preparing to deport them rather than detain them for a relatively minor crime.
According to private investigator Mike Bolhuis, who has been tracking the couple since they left Pretoria, their stay in the United States is going well. bolhuis told sunday times US authorities are expected to deport the pair rather than spend additional resources detaining them over a supermarket theft case. He says if they get back to South Africa, there will be a lot of people waiting there.
Bolhuis is investigating the Viljoens through his firm, Specialized Security Services, and says several people have already contacted him claiming to have been defrauded by the couple recently. According to him, some victims reportedly paid deposits of between R5,000 and R10,000 after being promised help in relocating to the United States. He is now urging anyone who believes they may have been affected to act quickly so prosecutors can move forward once the pair return to the country. He warned the public:
“Be aware that the Viljoen couple are still trying to influence people to help them with money. Do not give them money or any kind of assistance.”
Bolhuis also believes that his departure from South Africa may not have been entirely justified. Writing on his company's website, he claimed: “Their documents used to leave South Africa were allegedly manipulated and fraudulent. This raises serious suspicions of a coordinated escape plan.”
“He is believed to have carried out this with the assistance of good contacts – a reckless move which ultimately sealed his fate. This aspect is now part of an active and ongoing investigation”
The couple's legal troubles in the US began on March 10, 2026, when Florida police arrested them for carrying out a month-long ticket-switching scheme at a Publix supermarket in Boca Raton. Authorities claim the pair scanned cheaper barcodes when purchasing more expensive items and allegedly walked away with more than $5 300 (about R100 000) worth of goods.
Among the items reportedly stolen were toilet paper, Prosecco and sparkling water, which is certainly not the luxury shopping spree that anyone expected to make international headlines. Viljoen initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although he was granted bail, his freedom was short-lived. When they discovered that they had overstayed their tourist visas, immigration officials immediately stepped in and transferred both of them to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Reports indicate that the couple has since separated. Pete was reportedly moved to the California City Correctional Facility after spending time in the Florida detention facility nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz'. Meanwhile, Mel is believed to be being held at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Colorado.
While the shoplifting case continues in Florida, with the next court date scheduled for May 2026, immigration experts say the more serious issue is their legal status in the United States. The couple reportedly attempted to claim asylum, arguing that they were facing political persecution in South Africa. That effort appears to have failed, and as a result, deportation may occur before the theft case is completed.
If they return to South Africa, the legal drama at the airport is unlikely to end.
Bolhuis claims that the National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that several criminal investigations involving Viljoen are active. Among the most high-profile Tammy Taylor Nails Franchise operations they once ran in South Africa.
Mel and Pete sold franchise licenses to nail salon owners across the country, but the brand's American founder later challenged their right to use the trademark. Ultimately a court ruled that Viljoen did not own it and he was barred from continuing to operate under this name.
They are now linked to an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud, embezzlement, theft and misrepresentation involving the franchise network. Additionally, the couple has also been accused of intimidation and extortion with the aim of dissuading victims from opening cases against them.
Piet Viljoen also has a controversial legal history. In 2011, he was disbarred as a lawyer after a court found him guilty of “unprofessional, disrespectful and inappropriate behaviour”, concluding that he was “not a fit and proper person” to practice law.
The pair have also drawn widespread criticism for past social media and podcast comments in which they openly admitted racist views and said they “hate black people”.
For now, Viljoen remains in ICE custody while his immigration status is processed. But if U.S. officials move forward with deportation, their next stop could be OR Tambo International Airport, and there will likely be a long line of investigators, prosecutors and former clients waiting on the other side of passport control.
(Source: citizen & south african)