Private investigator Mike Bolhuis has confirmed that former reality television glam-girl Mel Viljoen has pledged her “full and unconditional cooperation” with investigations into allegations of fraud, racketeering and theft involving her and her husband, disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen.

Bolhuis, the lead specialist investigator for Specialised Security Services (SSS), said Mel contacted SSS late last month offering her cooperation and expressing remorse for her past conduct. She met with Bolhuis at the SSS offices on 26 June and formally confirmed her undertakings in writing on 28 June.

“We welcome and accept Mrs Viljoen’s offer of full, unconditional cooperation,” Bolhuis said. “This is a constructive first step toward resolving the matters involving the couple. SSS will work with the appropriate authorities to use her full and transparent cooperation to finalise outstanding investigations.”

Bolhuis said Mel also apologised on behalf of her husband, who verbally agrees with the position but has not yet confirmed his cooperation in writing. SSS is investigating allegations of misrepresentation, fraud, theft and racketeering, as well as hate speech and related serious economic and cybercrimes.

The cooperation marks a dramatic shift in Mel stance. As recently as 27 May, she had reportedly made public, personal attacks against Bolhuis.

The private investigator has also urged any complainants and victims to come forward, register criminal cases at their nearest police stations and provide all evidence including contracts, bank statements, messages and sworn statements to SSS. He assured that all information will be treated confidentially.

The Viljoen saga began unravelling in July 2025 when the couple fled South Africa under a cloud of mounting legal troubles.

Their time abroad came to an abrupt end in March this year when the pair was arrested in Florida in the US, for felony organised retail theft at a local supermarket. They were then detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement due to expired visas.

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After approximately 100 days in US custody, Mel was granted voluntary departure and returned to South Africa on 24 May while Peet was deported later.

Upon his arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on the evening of 16 June, members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit arrested Peet Viljoen. He was taken into custody and transported to Pretoria, where he made his first appearance at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 18 June.

Peet now faces a staggering 400 charges including fraud, corruption, theft, perjury, forgery, uttering and contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. The charges relate to the long-standing investigation into the fraudulent sale of Johannesburg Property Company properties.

Peet, who currently remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, is expected to return to court this week on 8 July for bail application. The State has indicated its intention to oppose bail, noting that Peet faces Schedule 5 offences.

Bolhuis has furthermore issued a public notice urging people not to discuss the cases, victims or the Viljoens on social media, warning against defamatory gossip whilst the investigations are ongoing.

ALSO READ: Former reality TV star arrested at OR Tambo hours after US deportation