“The Real Housewives of Pretoria” star Melany “Mel” Viljoen may still be living a very different reality compared to the one viewers knew her for.
There is, however, hope for Mel to return to her life of luxury in South Africa as News24 reports that she has been granted “voluntary departure” by a US immigration judge.
But things are not all smooth sailing, with US immigration authorities having the option of appealing, and Mel has a pending shoplifting case.
Speaking to Rapport, Mel, who is at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Colorado, shared her excitement. “I signed voluntary departure yesterday (Friday). I am so excited. They have just let me know,” she told the publication.
Mel also told the publication that her husband, who is being held at the California City Detention Facility, was also looking to file for voluntary departure.
According to reports, life in ICE detention centres is far from glamorous for the reality star who was known for dripping in designer labels like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Speaking to You, Mel lifted the lid on her new reality that sees her crying to sleep, eating tuna, which costs R120 a can, and living under harsh conditions.
“We’re basically fed dog food. It’s a mixture of ground-up stuff, and you can’t tell if it’s pork, beef or chicken. I eat it when I have to, or buy food from the prison shop, but they charge R120 for a can of tuna. I’m malnourished. This system is designed to break you. I’m being trampled, tortured and screamed at.”
Mel was arrested for shoplifting on March 10 in the United States, not long after police nabbed her husband, Peet.
The controversial couple managed to get bail in mid-March for $10 000 after their arrest; they were taken by ICE.
Mel and Peet, before their arrest, were big fans of President Donald Trump, but they have since changed their tune. “I misjudged Donald Trump and America. I thought this place would be the epitome of human rights, but I feel emotionally violated by the system.
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