Reality TV star Melany ‘Mel’ Viljoen and her husband Petros ‘Peet’ Viljoen remain in the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reportedly in two separate detention centres.
Also see: ‘Real Housewives’ star Melany Viljoen and husband arrested in US
Peet is reportedly being held at a facility commonly referred to as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’, while Mel is being detained at the Broward Transitional Centre. This is after they failed to pay bail that was set at $10 000 (approximately R170 000) per person, following their arrest over alleged retail theft.
Speaking to News24, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson said: “Melany and Petrus Viljoen were taken into custody by ICE officers at the Palm Beach County Jail. Previously, Boca Raton police arrested them for aggravated grand retail theft exceeding $3 000.
“ICE stated that the Viljoens entered the United States on 25 May 2025 as B-2 visitors for pleasure or tourism. However, they remained in the country beyond their authorised stay, failing to depart by 24 November in violation of their visa conditions,” said ICE.
Also see: Redi Tlhabi’s OR Tambo “welcome party” joke fuels Viljoen deportation buzz
Melany rose to prominence through the Afrikaans reality series The Real Housewives of Pretoria. The show, which premiered on kykNET in 2022, followed the lives of affluent women living in Pretoria and quickly became known for its dramatic storylines and outspoken personalities.
Melany’s on-screen presence, along with appearances by her husband Peet, made the couple one of the most talked-about figures on the show.
However, the pair have frequently made headlines outside reality television as well. Peet was previously struck from the roll of attorneys in South Africa in 2011 and barred from practising law after disciplinary findings against him.
Their business ventures have also faced scrutiny over the years, including legal disputes linked to the Tammy Taylor nail franchise brand.
Also see: Why Peet Viljoen Was Disbarred and Hit with a Heavy US Judgment
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