Reality television personality Melany Viljoen and her husband Peet Viljoen have been arrested in the United States after authorities accused the couple of shoplifting thousands of dollars’ worth of goods from a supermarket in Florida.
The couple, known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, were taken into custody on Tuesday in Boca Raton.
Alleged Retail Theft Over Six Months
According to police reports, officers allege the couple carried out multiple retail thefts over the past six months.
Investigators say surveillance footage and store records show that the Viljoens allegedly stole more than $5,300 (around R87,000) worth of items from a Publix Supermarket store located at Mercado Real.
Items allegedly taken included:
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La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine
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San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water
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Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water
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Coca-Cola Zero
Police believe the couple acted together during the incidents.
“Survival Mode” Claim
According to the arrest report, Mel Viljoen reportedly told officers that she was stealing because she was “in survival mode.”
She allegedly explained that she had been unable to work since arriving in the United States because she did not have a visa.
Police also indicated that there were two additional theft incidents at other Publix stores within the jurisdiction of Lighthouse Point, although those cases were reportedly not pursued due to the lower value of the goods involved.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities booked the couple at the Main Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon.
Both face organised retail theft felony charges and were each issued $10,000 bail.
Previous Legal Controversies
Peet Viljoen, a former attorney in South Africa, was struck from the legal roll in 2011, preventing him from practising law.
The couple also faced legal disputes linked to their use of the Tammy Taylor Nails brand in South Africa after their licensing agreement expired. The dispute reportedly involved the US-based parent company and franchise owners who were dissatisfied with the business operations.
Reality TV Fame
Mel Viljoen later rose to public prominence through her appearance on The Real Housewives of Pretoria, where she became one of the most talked-about personalities on the show.
The reality series follows the lives of wealthy women in Pretoria and is part of the broader international “Real Housewives” franchise.
Authorities in Florida are continuing their investigation into the alleged retail theft incidents.
