Controversial South African couple, Peet and Mel Viljoen, have been arrested in Florida in the US, on accusations that they have been running a supermarket theft scheme.

The Real Housewives of Pretoria stars, who courted controversy in South Africa before moving to America, were arrested by police in Boca Raton on 10 March 2026.

They were apprehended at a traffic stop involving their black Range Rover.

Investigators say the vehicle had been linked to multiple alleged theft incidents at a local Publix supermarket.

Police claim the couple stole more than $5,300 worth of groceries from a Publix store on South Federal Highway through a tactic known as “ticket-switching” at self-checkout counters.

Authorities say the alleged scheme took place between August 2025 and March 2026, during which investigators recorded 52 transactions where low-priced items were scanned while more expensive goods were bagged without being paid for.

Police reports state that 392 items were not scanned, with 369 of those incidents captured on CCTV footage. The items allegedly taken included groceries such as sparkling water, wine, soft drinks, produce and household essentials.

Among the items stolen are La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water, and Coca-Cola Zero.

Investigators also allege that the pair sometimes worked together, with Peet distracting staff while Mel used the self-checkout to bypass scanning certain items.

During questioning, Peet denied intentionally stealing or switching price labels. Mel Viljoen reportedly told detectives she had acted alone and was in “survival mode”, claiming she was unable to work in the United States because she did not have a visa.

Police say surveillance footage contradicts that claim and shows both individuals involved.

Publix estimates the total loss at $5,302. Both Melanie and Peet Viljoen now face charges of aggravated grand retail theft under Florida law.

They were booked on Tuesday afternoon at the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach, and bail was set at $10,000 each. It is not clear whether they have made bail.

The Viljoens previously operated Tammy Taylor South Africa, which grew significantly before the legal disputes arose. Last year, a US court ruled that they must pay the real Tammy Taylor $4 million for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract.