“The Real Housewives of Pretoria” star Melany “Mel” Viljoen has been granted voluntary departure by a United States immigration judge, according to the Daily Voice report.
The decision could allow Viljoen to leave the US and return home voluntarily, rather than face formal removal.
Viljoen also claimed that her husband, Peet Viljoen, could soon receive the same outcome.
However, the matter is not fully settled yet. The report states that US immigration authorities still have the option to appeal the decision.
Couple Arrested in Florida
Mel and Peet Viljoen were arrested for shoplifting in Florida on 10 March.
According to the report, the couple secured bail in mid-March after their arrest. Bail was set at $10 000.
They were later taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE.
Mel is currently being held at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Colorado.
‘I Signed Voluntary Departure’
Viljoen said she had signed the voluntary departure agreement and was excited by the development.
“I signed voluntary departure [on Friday]. I am so excited. They have just let me know,” she said.
The news marks a major shift in the couple’s case after weeks in detention.
But because immigration authorities can still appeal, it remains unclear when Mel may be able to leave the US.
Viljoen Describes Harsh Conditions
Viljoen also opened up about the conditions she says she has faced while in detention.
She claimed she cries herself to sleep, has struggled with food and has had to buy items from the prison shop.
“We’re basically fed dog food,” she said.
Viljoen claimed food from the shop is expensive, saying a can of tuna costs R120.
She also said she feels “emotionally violated” by the system.
Before their arrest, Mel and Peet Viljoen were known supporters of US President Donald Trump.
But Viljoen said her view of America has changed since being detained.
“I misjudged Donald Trump and America,” she said.
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