Reality television personality Melany Viljoen, known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, has reportedly been arrested in the United States alongside her husband, Peet Viljoen.
According to US media reports, the couple was arrested on Tuesday in Boca Raton on allegations of organised retail theft.
Police records indicate that surveillance footage and store records linked the pair to thefts totalling more than $5,300 (about R87,000) from a Publix Supermarket branch at Mercado Real on South Federal Highway.
The items allegedly stolen included bottles of La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water, and Coca-Cola Zero.
In an arrest report cited by US media, a Boca Raton police officer wrote that Mel Viljoen allegedly stated she was stealing because she was “in survival mode” and had not worked since arriving in the United States due to not having a visa.
Police further alleged that the couple had been involved in multiple acts of retail theft over the past six months, working together during several incidents.
Authorities also noted that there were two additional alleged theft incidents at other Publix stores within the jurisdiction of Lighthouse Point that were not formally reported due to the relatively low value of the goods involved.
The couple was booked at the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach on Tuesday afternoon. Each faces a felony charge of organised retail theft, with bail set at $10,000 each.
Peet Viljoen, a former attorney in South Africa, was struck from the roll of advocates in 2011 and barred from practising law.
The couple previously faced controversy in South Africa relating to their use of the Tammy Taylor Nails brand after their licence expired, which led to legal action from the US-based company and disputes with franchise buyers.
They later gained public attention through their appearance on The Real Housewives of Pretoria, where they attempted to rebuild their public image.
The case is expected to proceed through the US legal system in the coming weeks.
