Reality TV couple Peet and Mel Viljoen could face deportation after US fraud findings

Former Real Housewives of Pretoria personalities Mel and Peet Viljoen are again in the spotlight, this time over alleged theft in the United States and a growing list of fraud findings in South Africa.

The couple were recently detained in the US after allegedly stealing groceries worth thousands of dollars. Authorities are now considering whether they will face prosecution there or be deported back to South Africa.

A specialist investigator has warned that, if they return, they could face mounting legal pressure linked to multiple cases.

Fraud findings and mounting cases

Investigator Mike Bolhuis says the matter has moved beyond allegations.

He claims the Viljoens have already been found guilty in relation to the Tammy Taylor franchise dispute in South Africa.

“They were found guilty, and they owe over R70 million to the real Tammy Taylor,” he said.

According to Bolhuis, the couple faces accusations of misrepresentation, theft and fraud involving significant sums of money. He added that additional cases are still being reported.

US detention and possible deportation

Bolhuis said investigators expected the couple to leave South Africa and tracked them to the US after claims they were travelling for leisure proved false.

He said that US authorities have launched a thorough investigation and gathered evidence.

“They might spend time in America in jail and then be deported, or America might decide they don’t want them there and deport them quickly,” he said.

Warning to South Africans

Bolhuis urged South Africans not to send money to the couple, warning that past schemes allegedly targeted vulnerable individuals.

He claimed the pair previously promoted a luxury lifestyle online while soliciting payments of between R5,000 and R10,000 from people hoping to relocate to the US.

“They preyed on people and offered to assist them to get to America,” he said.

How scams exploit trust and status

Bolhuis said cases involving couples are particularly effective because they convey credibility and aspiration.

He warned that criminals often present a lifestyle designed to attract trust and financial buy-in.

“People see the flash, the money, the opportunity, and they are totally misled,” he said.

He urged the public to conduct thorough background checks before handing over money, even when dealing with familiar or high-profile individuals.

Timeline: Peet and Mel Viljoen’s rise and legal fallout

June 2024 — Reality TV fame and early controversy

Mel and Peet Viljoen gain national attention through reality TV, as abuse claims and business allegations surface during the show’s run.

2024–2025 — Tammy Taylor dispute and mounting legal pressure

The couple became central to a high-profile franchise dispute, with allegations of fraud, misrepresentation and unpaid franchise deals emerging from multiple complainants.

13 March 2026 — Arrested in the US for alleged shoplifting

The pair are arrested in Florida for alleged ‘ticket switching’, with police accusing them of stealing groceries worth more than $5,300.

18 March 2026 — Investigator outlines broader fraud claims

Investigator Mike Bolhuis claims the couple were involved in long-running fraud and theft, and alleges they fled South Africa to avoid accountability.

20 March 2026 — From celebrity to scandal

An EWN feature traces their trajectory from reality TV fame and luxury branding to mounting controversies, legal battles and arrest.

April 2026 — Ongoing legal uncertainty

The couple remain in the spotlight as investigations continue in the US, with possible deportation and further legal consequences in South Africa still unclear.

For more information, scroll up to the embedded audio player to listen to Bolhuis on 702.