Mel Viljoen Bodycam Footage Shows Her Defending Husband Peet During US Shoplifting Investigation ‘He Thought I Was Shopping’

Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the moment Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel Viljoen repeatedly defended her husband, Peet Viljoen, during police questioning in the United States.

The couple were arrested in Boca Raton, Florida, over allegations linked to an alleged supermarket shoplifting scheme. Although they have since returned to South Africa, both remain caught up in multiple legal battles.

The footage, published by eNCA, captures Mel being questioned by a detective following the couple’s arrest. Throughout the interview, she denied any wrongdoing and insisted Peet believed their groceries had been paid for. She also maintained that there had been a misunderstanding.

Mel Viljoen Bodycam Footage Captures Police Interrogation

Mel Viljoen is seen sitting in an interrogation room while a female detective questions her about how the alleged scheme operated. Investigators claimed surveillance footage showed cheaper items being scanned instead of higher-priced groceries. Mel repeatedly said she did not understand the allegations being put to her.

“I don’t understand what you’re referring to,” Mel replied.

The detective questioned why an item costing about 70 cents had allegedly been scanned instead of products worth $16.99 (about R278). Mel responded by saying she was unsure what the detective meant.

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

Police further alleged the couple scanned a seasoning or gravy packet instead of paying for items including San Pellegrino sparkling water.

“It was me shopping. It wasn’t my husband,” Mel interjected.

The detective replied that both Mel and Peet appeared in the surveillance footage.

“Let’s take the semantics out of it. You’re both on camera. You may be scanning a gravy packet instead of paying for your San Pellegrino because I see you both like San Pellegrino.”

Mel responded: “Maybe there’s a misunderstanding.”

When asked what she believed the misunderstanding was, she replied: “I’m not sure yet. You’ll have to give me more information.”

Mel Viljoen Insists Peet Viljoen Did Not Know About Alleged Shoplifting

During the questioning, the detective alleged the couple paid only 79 cents for sparkling water worth $23.99 (about R392) by scanning a cheaper product. Investigators also claimed the pair regularly left the store with trolleys of groceries after paying only around $50 (about R818). Mel continued to insist that her husband was unaware of any alleged wrongdoing.

The detective further alleged that Peet would leave the supermarket with the groceries whenever the self-checkout process failed.

“Does that sound familiar?” the detective asked.

“Oh, shame. He didn’t know. He thought I was shopping,” Mel replied.

When asked whether Peet believed the groceries had been paid for, Mel answered:

“I’m sure.”

The detective questioned why Peet would leave the store without a receipt if payment had not been completed.

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“If you don’t come to him with a receipt, why would he walk out before the groceries were paid for?” the detective asked.

“He probably thought it was paid for,” Mel replied.

The detective again challenged that explanation.

“It’s an interesting question. I’m not sure,” Mel responded.

Peet Viljoen Faces Multiple Legal Battles In South Africa

Peet Viljoen is facing around 400 charges in South Africa, including fraud, theft, corruption, forgery and uttering. The charges relate to an alleged R27.6 million Johannesburg Property Company fraud case involving the sale of municipal properties.

The Hawks allege the properties were transferred to buyers without the company receiving payment.

The couple are also involved in an ongoing legal dispute relating to the Tammy Taylor franchise. A United States court ordered them to pay Tammy Taylor USA about R71 million in damages over trademark infringement.

They also face claims from South African franchisees who allege they suffered financial losses after purchasing franchises from a company the couple allegedly did not own.

Peet was arrested on 16 June after being deported from the United States. He was taken into custody at OR Tambo International Airport before being transferred to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. His bail application is due to continue on 23 July 2026.

Meanwhile, private investigator Mike Bolhuis has confirmed that Specialised Security Services (SSS) has ended its cooperation agreement with Mel Viljoen. Bolhuis said the decision followed her independent launch of two BackaBuddy fundraising campaigns to assist with Peet’s legal costs without informing SSS.

“She did not consult or inform Specialised Security Services about these campaigns. She acted independently, contrary to the spirit of the agreement,” he said.

Bolhuis also criticised Mel’s role in organising support outside court during Peet’s bail hearing and alleged she delayed handing over information needed for the investigation. He said ending the cooperation agreement would not affect the ongoing investigations into the couple.