Real Housewives Star Mel Viljoen And Husband Arrested For Shoplifting In US

Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel Viljoen and her husband Peet Viljoen have reportedly been arrested in the United States after allegedly admitting to a string of retail thefts.

According to a report by Local10.com, the couple was detained in Palm Beach County, Florida, earlier this week.

The pair allegedly told authorities they had resorted to stealing because they were in “survival mode”, claiming they had been unable to work since arriving in the United States due to visa issues.

Their arrest marks the latest twist in a saga that began in South Africa, where the couple faced serious allegations linked to their business dealings.

Fraud accusations against Mel Viljoen And Husband

The Viljoens first drew attention in South Africa following complaints from franchisees connected to the Tammy Taylor nail brand, who alleged they lost millions while doing business with the couple.

The matter is currently under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

The couple left South Africa for the United States in July last year while facing fraud allegations and legal challenges. A judge had also advised the National Prosecuting Authority to consider pursuing charges related to alleged non-compliance with the Companies Act.

Meanwhile, Peet Viljoen had been disbarred from practising law by the Legal Practice Council.

Despite this, he reportedly began practising and studying law in the United States. After questions were raised about this, an advertisement promoting his services was later changed to describe him as a “labour broker”.

Police say couple stole goods worth more than $5,300

Authorities in Florida allege the Viljoens were involved in multiple incidents of retail theft over several months.

“Over the course of the last six months, the Viljoens have worked in concert during multiple acts of retail theft,” a police report stated.

Investigators claim the couple stole goods worth more than $5,300 (about R87,800) from a Publix supermarket at Mercado Real in Boca Raton.

Items allegedly taken included La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water and Coca-Cola Zero.

Reports also indicate there were two additional theft incidents in Lighthouse Point, Broward County, though they were not formally reported because the value involved was relatively small.

Couple facing organised retail theft charges in Florida

The Viljoens have reportedly been booked into the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach.

They are facing felony charges of organised retail theft, with bail set at $10,000 each — roughly R165,800.

Earlier this year, the couple had publicly denied rumours that they had been detained by US immigration authorities.

Peet Viljoen previously told followers on social media that he had stepped back from posting because he was preparing for the US bar exam and intended to become an attorney in America.

SurgeZirc SA has approached the Viljoens for comment. Updates will be added if a response is received.

Additional reporting by Parusha Naidoo