A reality television star and her husband have been arrested after authorities say the couple stole more than $5,000 worth of groceries from a Florida supermarket.
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Melany Viljoen, 39, and her husband, Petrus "Peet" Viljoen, 57, were taken into custody on Tuesday, March 10. They were arrested in connection with a series of alleged thefts at a Publix store in Boca Raton.
Police stopped the couple during a traffic stop while they were driving a black Range Rover. It's the same vehicle investigators say was used during the alleged thefts.
Reality TV Star Arrested After Alleged Grocery Theft Scheme
According to arrest records cited by PEOPLE, Melany and Petrus were charged and are currently being held on a $10,000 bond.
Authorities believe the couple carried out the scheme with a third individual.
Investigators allege the couple conducted 52 separate transactions between August 2025 and March 2026. They used what is known as a "ticket-switching" tactic, according to CBS 12 News.
The method involves scanning low-priced items while placing higher-priced products in bags or bypassing the final point of sale altogether.
Surveillance footage and transaction data reportedly showed that 392 items were not scanned. 369 of those instances were captured on store CCTV footage.
"Police documents state the couple repeatedly returned to the store even after the investigation began," CBS 12 News' Skylar Shepard wrote. "In several incidents, officers said Peet Viljoen distracted employees while Melany allegedly carried out the thefts at the self-checkout.
"Items reported stolen included sparkling water, wine, soda, toilet paper, produce, and other groceries, often with only a small portion of the order actually paid for."
Couple Disputes Allegations as Investigation Continues
During questioning, Petrus reportedly denied the ticket-switching accusations even after being shown surveillance footage.
Melany, meanwhile, told detectives that she had acted alone.
She said she was operating in "survival mode" after being unable to work in the United States due to visa restrictions.
Investigators, however, say the surveillance footage contradicts her claim that she acted alone, pointing to evidence suggesting both were involved.
Detectives estimate Publix's total loss at $5,302 as of March 10. The couple has been charged with aggravated grand retail theft exceeding $3,000 under Florida law.
According to PEOPLE, the investigation remains ongoing after the outlet contacted Boca Raton Police for further comment.
