Mel and Peet Viljoen’s deportation fears have deepened after private investigator Mike Bolhuis urged South Africans not to send the couple money, saying their US stay appears to be nearing an end, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to The Citizen, the pair, once known from The Real Housewives of Pretoria, are facing criminal and immigration trouble in Florida after arrest on aggravated retail theft charges and a visa overstay.
2OceansVibe reported Bolhuis told the Sunday Times that authorities are expected to deport the Viljoens rather than keep them in custody for long.
He warned the public: ‘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 claimed: ‘Their documentation used to leave South Africa was allegedly manipulated and fraudulently falsified.’
The couple were arrested on 10 March 2026 in Boca Raton, where Florida police allege they used ticket-switching tactics at a Publix supermarket and took goods worth more than $5 300.
that they remain in ICE custody in separate facilities, with the next court date set for May 2026. Bolhuis says several people have approached him claiming they were scammed after paying deposits of R5 000 to R10 000 for promised help relocating to the United States.
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