Mel Viljoen allegedly said she acted alone as US Police probe Publix thefts.
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Real Housewives of Pretoria star Melany "Mel" Viljoen allegedly told police in the United States that she was in "survival mode" and that her husband, Peet Viljoen, had nothing to do with the alleged thefts at a Publix supermarket in Boca Raton, Florida.
According to police, Mel insisted she was the only one committing the crimes.
She maintained this even after officers showed her footage of Peet allegedly stealing alone in the store on August 29, 2025.
She claimed she had been unable to work since moving to the US due to visa restrictions, leaving her in a precarious situation.
The couple had reportedly gone to the US seeking new opportunities, but over the past six months, they allegedly coordinated multiple acts of retail theft together.
In documents seen by IOL, authorities said that from September 3 to December 24, 2025, the total loss at Publix store was $3,556.71 (about R59 742).
By March 10, the cumulative losses had risen to $5,302.17 (around R89,061).
"She was shown numerous pictures and videos of them in the Publix store. She confirmed their identities in the photos and videos," police said.
Investigators explained that in each incident, the Viljoens allegedly arrived and departed in the same black Range Rover in which Peet was pulled over, using a consistent method of taking items from the store.
Mel reportedly admitted to stealing due to her precarious situation.
The couple's alleged methodical approach has prompted law enforcement to continue their investigation into the full extent of their alleged thefts.
"Over the course of the last six months, The Viljoen's have worked in concert during multiple acts of retail thefts."
Ultimately, they were both booked the pair on Tuesday afternoon at West Palm Beach's Main Detention Centre.
They were each charged with organised retail theft, a felony, and their bonds were $10,000 (R168,062).
IOL News