Real Housewives’ Mel and Peet Viljoen Arrested in US

Melany “Mel” Viljoen and her husband, Petrus “Peet” Viljoen, stars of The Real Housewives of Pretoria, were arrested on 10 March 2026, in Boca Raton, Florida. The couple faces felony charges of organised retail theft after allegedly orchestrating a six-month “ticket-switching” scheme at a Publix supermarket.

According to police affidavits, the Viljoens visited the store 52 times between August 2025 and March 2026, stealing over $5,300 worth of goods, including luxury items like La Marca Prosecco and San Pellegrino. Investigators allege the couple worked “in concert,” with Peet often distracting staff while Mel scanned cheaper barcodes for expensive items.

Upon her arrest, Mel reportedly confessed to the thefts, claiming she was in “survival mode” because she lacked a work visa in the United States. The arrest sparked a wave of reactions from former business associates in South Africa, where the couple previously faced fraud allegations involving the Tammy Taylor Nails brand. 

Reality personality Happy Simelane, who previously sued the couple, reacted on social media, stating, “Karma never miss.” Comedian Bouwer Bosch also noted the irony, adding, “It just shows being a criminal is all about character, not skin colour.”

The Viljoens were released on $10,000 bond each, pending further legal proceedings in Palm Beach County.

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