Here’s WHAT Mel and Peet Viljoen stole from US store

According to police in Palm Beach County, the couple are accused of shoplifting items valued at more than $5 000 from a Publix store.

Mar 13, 2026 - 11:00
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Here’s WHAT Mel and Peet Viljoen stole from US store

South African reality television personality Mel Viljoen and her husband Peet Viljoen were arrested in the United States this week after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of groceries from a supermarket over several months.

According to police in Palm Beach County, the couple are accused of shoplifting items valued at more than $5 000 (about R84 500) from a Publix store.

Investigators say the alleged thefts took place over a six-month period, with surveillance footage showing the couple using a self-checkout system to scan cheaper products while bagging more expensive items.

What the couple allegedly stole

Police reports detail a range of items that were allegedly taken from the store, including:

  • La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine
  • San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water
  • Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water
  • Coca-Cola Zero
  • Other grocery and household items

Authorities said the alleged thefts formed part of a pattern of retail fraud, describing it as the couple working together in multiple incidents.

In the police report, an officer wrote that Mel Viljoen allegedly told investigators she had resorted to stealing because she was in “survival mode” and had not been able to work since arriving in the United States due to visa restrictions.

Arrest and court process

The couple were taken to the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach, where they were charged with felony retail theft.

They were later released on $10 000 (R169 000) bail each, according to authorities.

Mugshots of the pair have since circulated widely on social media.

Reality TV fame and relocation to the US

Mel Viljoen previously appeared on The Real Housewives of Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa.

The couple relocated from South Africa to the United States last year and are believed to be living in Miami, where they had previously claimed they intended to seek asylum.

Past controversies

Mel and Peet Viljoen have previously faced several legal disputes in South Africa, including allegations linked to the Tammy Taylor nail franchise business and other fraud investigations.

Peet Viljoen, a former attorney, was also disbarred in 2011 after a court ruled that he was not fit to practice law.

The latest allegations in Florida have now placed the controversial couple back in the spotlight as authorities continue investigating the reported retail theft incidents.

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