Aubrey Masinga
Published by: Crime Connect News
Reality TV couple Melany Viljoen and Petrus Peet Viljoen have been arrested in the United States after allegedly running a months-long retail theft scheme.
The couple, who previously appeared on the reality television series Real Housewives of Pretoria, were arrested on 10 March 2026 in Boca Raton and are now facing aggravated grand retail theft charges under Florida law.
According to investigators, the arrests follow an investigation into what authorities describe as a six-month “ticket-switching” theft operation at a branch of Publix.
Police allege the couple stole approximately $5,302 (around R100,000) worth of groceries across 52 separate transactions between August 2025 and March 2026.
Investigators claim the scheme involved manipulating the self-checkout system by scanning very low-cost items — such as seasoning packets — while placing expensive products directly into shopping bags without scanning them. Authorities say this method allowed the suspects to bypass payment for hundreds of items while making it appear that legitimate purchases were being made.
According to the police report, 392 items were allegedly not scanned during the transactions identified by investigators.
CCTV footage reviewed by authorities reportedly shows Peet Viljoen distracting store employees while Melany Viljoen used the self-checkout machines to complete the purchases. Investigators say this coordinated approach allowed them to carry out the scheme without being immediately detected.
During questioning, Melany Viljoen reportedly told police that she acted alone, claiming she was operating in “survival mode” because she did not have a valid work visa in the United States. However, investigators say surveillance footage appears to show both individuals participating in the alleged scheme.
Authorities also indicated that the arrests come after the couple had reportedly left South Africa while facing financial and legal obligations, although details regarding those matters have not yet been fully disclosed by investigators.
Under Florida law, aggravated grand retail theft is considered a serious offense, particularly when the value of stolen goods exceeds a certain threshold or when the alleged theft occurs repeatedly over a period of time.
Both suspects were taken into custody in Boca Raton and are expected to appear in a Florida court where prosecutors will determine the next steps in the case.
The arrest of the former reality TV personalities has sparked widespread discussion online in South Africa, where their appearances on Real Housewives of Pretoria previously brought them significant public attention.
Authorities in the United States say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case proceeds through the legal system.
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