Mel Viljoen opts to return to SA amid ICE ‘dog food’ complaints
Mel Viljoen is hoping to return to her nice life in South Africa after filing for voluntary departure amid her ICE detention woes.
Black News 
Melanie Viljoen, the wife of Peet Viljoen, has opted to voluntarily return to South Africa after meeting with an immigration judge. The reality TV couple – known for appearing on the Real Housewives franchise – have been detained at a US ICE detention centre after overstaying their tourist visa.
They are also facing criminal charges relating to a shoplifting arrest in March.
MEL VILJOEN APPLIES FOR VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE
Speaking to news outlets, Mel Viljoen revealed that she had recently filed a voluntary departure application to return to South Africa. This means that she would leave the US at her own expense, under court supervision. This eliminates the need for a formal deportation, which carries future immigration repercussions.
The blonde reality TV star – being detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility – had met with an immigration judge over her illegal immigration status.
She revealed that her husband, now at the California City Detention Facility, would take the same steps.
Their application will likely be reviewed by a judge who will determine whether they can pay for their own transportation and flights home and whether they are likely to leave the country, as agreed. The judge also has to take into account the Viljoen’s criminal charges of shoplifting and whether they intend to pursue legal action.
Images via Instagram
Mel Viljoen has previously complained about the conditions of the ICE detention centres, claiming that they had been fed “dog food” and were “malnourished” and that they had been “tortured and screamed at”.
Both Mel and Peet have also claimed to have “misjudged” US President Donald Trump, and have withdrawn their public support.
WHAT AWAITS THEM IN SOUTH AFRICA?
If Mel and Peet Viljoen are granted voluntary departure, they will have to contend with a possible travel ban to the US,
Information about their illegal immigration status, ICE detention records and overstaying their visa will remain on the system.
The Viljoens are facing multiple criminal and civil charges from several individuals relating to their past fraudulent business dealings.
The couple could be arrested in South Africa if a warrant is issued.
According to private investigator Mike Bolhuis, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa has already confirmed active criminal cases and many other pending cases against the Viljoens; those investigations remain ongoing.
