Real Housewives stars Mel and Peet Viljoen are facing imminent deportation from the US to South Africa. A private investigator has issued a warning to the public not to assist the criminally-accused couple with money upon their return.
This comes after the reality TV personalities pleaded guilty to aggravated retail theft charges. The Viljoens – appearing virtually from their US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centres – were arrested last month in Palm Beach County, Florida, over allegations that they stole more than $5 000 worth of groceries from their local supermarket.
A few days later, the content creators were picked up by immigration officials after reportedly overstaying their tourist visa.
Mel and Peet moved to the US last year after seemingly fleeing multiple ongoing criminal and civil cases in South Africa.
MEL AND PEET TO BE DEPORTED – WARNING TO PUBLIC
Mike Bolhuis, a private investigator from the company, Specialised Security Services, has claimed to have obtained information that Mel and Peet Viljoen will be deported imminently.
Bolhuis – who refers to the Viljoens as “fugitives” – has been investigating the couple’s alleged criminal activities over the last few years.
He believes that the Viljoens fled to the US – under the guise of being “persecuted” in South Africa – to evade justice.
Images via X
He shared on his company website: “Their documentation used to leave South Africa was allegedly manipulated and fraudulently falsified. This raises serious suspicions of a coordinated escape plan.
“It is believed they orchestrated this with the assistance of well-placed contacts — a reckless move that ultimately sealed their fate. This aspect now forms part of an active and ongoing investigation”
The Viljoens will appear before an immigration judge who is expected to issue deportation orders, despite their pending criminal theft charges in the US.
Bolhuis urged the public not to fall prey to the couple.
He continued: “Take note that the Viljoen couple is still trying to influence people to assist them with money. Do not give them money or assistance whatsoever”.
He also urged past victims of Mel and Peet Viljjoen to contact him to ensure that all their criminal cases were reported and that swift action by law enforcement would be taken upon their return.
CRIMINAL HISTORY
Mel and Peet Viljoen have been accused of fleeing South Africa due to multiple ongoing criminal investigations.
Investigator Mike Bolhuis claims that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the Viljoens are facing active criminal cases, with those investigations remaining ongoing.
Here’s a look back at what they’re accused of in South Africa:
Tammy Taylor Franchise Fraud
Mel and Peet headed up Tammy Taylor in South Africa, selling franchise licenses to nail salon owners around the country. The founder of the international organisation, US businesswoman Tammy Taylor, challenged their use of her trademark without her permission. A court ruled that the Viljoens did not own the trademark and were prohibited from using it. They are facing charges of fraud, racketeering, theft, and misrepresentation in an ongoing investigation.
Intimidation and extortion
The Viljoens are accused of making threats to prevent victims from opening cases, particularly relating to the Tammy Taylor saga, against them.
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Property fraud
Peel Viljoen is facing hundreds of charges of fraud, forgery, and corruption related to the illegal transfer of municipal buildings in the Johannesburg Metro.
Business fraud
The Viljoens are also accused of operating a business in which they fail to deliver goods sold to individuals.
Disbarment as an attorney
In 2011, Peet Viljoen was disbarred from practising law after he was found guilty of “unprofessional, dishonourable and inappropriate behaviour”, concluding that he was “not a fit and proper person” to practise law.
Hate speech
Mel and Peet Viljoen have brazenly admitted to being racists and “hating black people” in social media posts and on their podcast.
