Melany and Peet Viljoen, known from South Africa's Real Housewives of Pretoria, have been arrested in Florida on allegations of retail theft. The couple, who moved to the United States, face charges for ticket switching at a supermarket. Police documents detail their alleged theft of various items over multiple visits.
Melany and Peet Viljoen gained recognition in South Africa through Melany's appearance on The Real Housewives of Pretoria and their social media presence. Peet has shared views on social media, including references to the 'white genocide' narrative in South Africa, a claim linked to disinformation promoted by figures like US President Donald Trump. On December 31, 2025, Peet posted on Facebook, stating, “America is good to us!” alongside a video expressing satisfaction with life in the US and plans to stay.
The couple's situation changed with their arrest on March 10, 2026, in Boca Raton, Florida, by the local police department. According to affidavits, they engaged in 'ticket switching'—placing cheaper price tags on more expensive items—at a Publix supermarket since August 2025. Surveillance footage captured them failing to scan 392 assorted items across 52 transactions, using a black 2016 Range Rover registered to Melany. Police identified them partly through social media images, noting their status as South African public figures.
In one incident on March 8, 2026, Peet selected items including two bottles of La Marca Prosecco Sparkling Wine at $34.99 each, Charmin Toilet Paper at $17.19, Sanpellegrino Mineral Water at $29.99, Maison Perrier Forever Lime Sparkling Water at $16.39, and a 12-pack of Coca-Cola Zero at $11.99. Melany added an organic banana bunch at $2.73, a bag of beets at $3.99, and Publix Gold Potatoes at $7.19. The total value of stolen goods reached thousands of dollars.
During questioning, Melany claimed she acted alone in 'survival mode' due to lacking a work visa since arriving in the US, insisting Peet was uninvolved despite video evidence from August 29, 2025, showing him acting independently. Peet did not admit to the activity. They face aggravated grand retail theft charges.
The Viljoens have a history of legal troubles. Peet was disbarred as an attorney over a decade ago and described in 2011 reports as a 'self-styled celebrity lawyer.' They were involved in a dispute with Tammy Taylor Nails, leading to a US court order in 2022 to cease using the brand and pay $4 million in damages for trademark counterfeiting. A January 2025 South African court judgment highlighted their financial strains, including attached goods and offered diamonds valued over R2.7 million to settle debts.
