Reality TV Star Melany Viljoen and Husband Arrested in the US Over Alleged Retail Theft Scheme

Reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Pretoria and businesswoman Melany Viljoen has reportedly been arrested in the United States along with her husband, Petrus “Peet” Jacobus Viljoen, after police accused the couple of being involved in a months-long retail theft scheme.

According to a report by CBS 12, the couple was taken into custody on Tuesday, 10 March, following a traffic stop in Boca Raton. Authorities said the stop involved their black Range Rover, which investigators believe was used during multiple alleged theft incidents.

Police claim that Melany Viljoen, 39, and her husband, Petrus “Peet” Jacobus Viljoen, 57, targeted a Publix store located on South Federal Highway. Investigators allege that the couple worked together to steal more than $5,300 (about R87,805) worth of groceries from the store over several months.

According to arrest affidavits, the alleged incidents took place between August 2025 and March 2026. During this period, police said the Viljoens carried out 52 transactions in which they reportedly used a tactic known as “ticket-switching.” This method involves scanning low-priced items while bagging more expensive products, or bypassing the final payment process entirely.

Authorities reported that surveillance footage and transaction records revealed 392 items that were not scanned, with 369 of those items clearly visible on CCTV footage. Investigators also claimed that the couple continued visiting the store even after an investigation into the alleged thefts had begun.

Police documents further allege that in several incidents, Peet Viljoen distracted store employees while Melany used the self-checkout machines. Officers claim that the items taken included sparkling water, wine, soda, toilet paper, fresh produce, and other grocery products. In many cases, investigators said only a small portion of the items was actually paid for.

During a post-Miranda interview, Peet Viljoen reportedly denied taking part in any ticket-switching or intentional theft, even after detectives showed him surveillance images. Meanwhile, Melany Viljoen allegedly told investigators that she acted alone.

According to police records, she said she was stealing because she was in “survival mode” and could not work in the United States due to not having a visa. However, investigators said the surveillance footage appeared to contradict her statement and suggested that both she and her husband were involved.

As of 10 March, detectives said the supermarket chain had suffered a total loss of $5,302 (about R87,805). Authorities have since charged both Melany and Peet Viljoen with aggravated grand retail theft over $3,000 (about R49,676) under Florida law.