JOHANNESBURG - Dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs poured their life savings into what they thought was a golden business opportunity: the Tammy Taylor Nails franchise.
But they have nothing to show for it - and blame reality TV personalities Mel and Peet Viljoen.
The Viljoens have been deported from the US, after a card paying scam left them in custody. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement granted Mel voluntary departure and booked her a flight back to South Africa. She landed at OR Tambo on 24 May.
Peet returned on Tuesday, and was arrested on a different matter upon arrival at the O.R Tambo International Airport. He is expected to appear in court on Thursday.
Still, the Tammy Taylor saga victims are waiting for a chance at justice.
One of the victims, Santhuri Poovalingam, wanted to buy the franchise and paid R345 000. She had problems with a location and ended up wanting to cancel, but she also did not get her money back.
And while a case was opened, years later, it is still pending.
"It was hard earned money that we invested, there was no empathy, nothing," Poovalingam said.
Happy Simelane, another victim says she lost more than R2 million.
READ | Mic off: Mel Viljoen storms out of interview amid pressing questions
"I am hoping at this point justice doesn't fail us. Their American dream was short lived, over 77 victims that we know of have opened a case with the Hawks and SAPS and also complained to the National Consumer Commission."
Another woman, Lea Abvajee, said they have exhausted all avenues in a quest for justice but legal battles have hit a dead end.
"We want justice. Many have given up and are intimidated and threatened, we won't give up until this battle is won," Abvajee added.
Watch video for full report by Slindelo Sebata