Real Housewives stars kept shoplifting from Publix, cops say. See their arrest
Last week, South Floridians were introduced to Melany and Petrus Viljoen, former stars of “The Real Housewives of Pretoria,” an international edition of the Bravo franchise.
The South African couple moved to Boca Raton last summer, and according to the local police department, soon began repeatedly shoplifting from a Publix at the Mercado Real shopping center at 1001 S. Federal Hwy.
According to a police report obtained by the Miami Herald, they were arrested separately on March 10, charged with aggravated grand retail theft over $3,000. The affidavit says the two employed a scheme at the self-checkout lanes called “ticket switching,” placing a lower priced item to scan under a more expensive one.
Between Aug. 29 and March 8, investigators allege the suspects failed to pay for 392 items in 52 transactions — for a total loss to Publix of $5,302.17. Merchandise included sparkling water, toilet paper and fresh produce.
You see each being taken into custody that morning in newly released bodycam footage first captured by South African investigative TV show Carte Blanche.
The outlet had already covered the couple’s role in a scandal involving California beauty mogul Tammy Taylor. The nail mogul sued the Viljoens for $100 million in April 2024 over the usage of her trademark after their licensing agreement ended. The court ordered the reality stars to pay $4 million in damages in July 2025, right around the time of their move to the U.S.
Back to the bodycam: It begins with Petrus Viljoen being pulled over in their black 2016 Range Rover and being handcuffed at around 8 a.m.
“You’re arresting me!?” says the former lawyer who was disbarred in 2011. He is told about the alleged retail theft incidents at Publix.
When asked the whereabouts of his wife, the 57-year-old informs them she’s home. The video cuts to law enforcement at their apartment complex about 45 minutes later, with Melany, 39, answering the door in a white robe.
The podcaster, calm and compliant, is allowed to go back inside and change into clothes, then cuffed. She is escorted into the elevator and politely asks officers where they parked. As they approach the patrol car, a female cop asks if she can quickly search her, and she replies, “You saw me naked.” Melany is patted down and placed in the backseat.
Both were held at the Palm Beach County Jail on $10,000 bond apiece. According to court records, Publix was granted an order of “no contact” and the duo are set to attend a sentencing hearing April 9.