Following a traumatic ordeal in US immigration detention, Melany 'Mel' Viljoen opens up about her harrowing journey and its profound effects on her life and marriage after returning to South Africa.
TV personality Melany “Mel” Viljoen is back in South Africa after being granted “voluntary departure” by a United States immigration judge.
Her husband is expected to join soon, and Mel revealed that if Peet is re-admitted as a lawyer, they may stay in South Africa and rebuild their lives.
Mel and her husband, Petrus (Peet) Viljoen, were arrested in Boca Raton, Florida, on March 10, 2026, for allegedly stealing groceries from a supermarket over several months. They were charged with aggravated grand retail theft.
Speaking to IOL, “The Real Housewives of Pretoria” star shed light on her release, her arrest and being detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
