Mel and Peet Viljoen say sorry: ‘The Lord has done work in our hearts’
· The South African
Mel and Peet Viljoen have issued an apology to those they have aggrieved – but South Africans are not buying it, accusing the controversial couple of trying to garner public sympathy.
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Peet is currently facing 400 criminal charges relating to a 2010 property corruption scandal, while Mel is facing the wrath of investors of her alleged fraudulent Tammy Taylor Nails franchises.
The couple – who were recently deported from the US amid criminal and immigration issues – have also courted controversy over their hate speech comments, posted on their social media platforms.
MEL AND PEET VILJOEN POST PUBLIC APOLOGY.
On her Instagram and Facebook accounts, Mel Viljoen posted an apology from herself and her husband, Peet Viljoen.
The Real Housewives reality TV star claimed that it was “the most difficult posts we have ever written”
She shared: “Over the past few weeks, the Lord has done a profound work in both my heart and Peet’s heart. Through everything we have experienced, He has humbled us, confronted us, and reminded us of what truly matters. Today, we want to take responsibility for our past.
“To the people we hurt through our videos, our words, and our actions—we are truly sorry.
There were times when we spoke without enough grace, responded without enough compassion, and said things that caused real hurt. Whether it was in interviews, videos, social media posts, or personal interactions, we recognise that our words carried weight, and sometimes they wounded people.
Mel and Peet Viljoen claimed to have “acknowledged” their mistakes, appealing to the public for “forgiveness”
The post continued: “God has shown us that humility is far more important than pride. And love is far more powerful than being right. We have learned that every person deserves dignity, respect, and kindness, even when we disagree.
“We are not writing this because anyone forced us to, we are writing it because we have been convicted in our hearts, and we believe that true repentance is followed by changed behaviour. If our words, our videos, or our actions caused you pain, disappointment, or made you feel hurt, please accept our heartfelt apology.
The Viljoens vowed to show their remorse through their actions.
The apology – which the public has criticised – comes a few days after Mel vowed to “drop receipts” over what she claimed was the “wrongful arrest” of her husband, Peet.
She has since deleted her post.
MOUNTING LEGAL WOES
Mel and Peet Viljoen’s apology comes on the back of their mounting legal woes.
According to eNCA, the Viljoens have been issued bench warrants by US authorities. This, after they failed to appear virtually for their shoplifting charges.
The couple were arrested in March over reports that they stole more than $5 000 worth of groceries from their local supermarket. ICE officials subsequently picked up the duo after they allegedly overstayed their visitor visas.
Both have since been deported to South Africa.
As a result of the no-show, the couple’s US criminal case has been placed on hold.
Should the couple return to the US, they will likely be arrested by Customs and Border Protection at the airport. The couple could also be found in contempt of court and even face new criminal charges for failing to honour their court appearance.
Peet, who SAPS arrested upon his return, is currently remanded in police custody at Kgosi Mampuru Prison. He is facing 400 charges, including forgery, perjury and fraud relating to a 2010 property corruption scandal.
He has appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where the matter was postponed to 26 June for a formal bail application.
Mel and Peet are also facing at least three charges relating to their Tammy Taylor SA franchise saga.