Stars Of An Overseas Version Of The Program Nabbed After Prosecco Publix Thefts…
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Two stars of the “Real Housewives of South Africa” television series are facing felony charges after allegedly running a long-term shoplifting scheme at a local Publix. Petrus “Peet” Jacobus Viljoen, 57, and Melany Juanita Viljoen, 39, were arrested by Boca Raton Police on March 10 following a months-long investigation into “ticket switching” and theft at the store located at 1001 South Federal Highway. Investigators say the couple, who were positively identified through their high-profile Instagram and YouTube accounts, used the self-checkout lanes to systematically defraud the supermarket of thousands of dollars.
According to police reports obtained by BocaNewsNow.com, the investigation began in late February after a Publix data analyst flagged dozens of suspicious transactions involving seasoning packets. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the Viljoens scanning expensive groceries—including cases of Maison Perrier, Sanpellegrino mineral water, and La Marca Prosecco — while holding inexpensive seasoning packets underneath them. This “ticket switching” method allowed them to pay just cents for items worth significantly more. In other instances, Peet Viljoen allegedly walked entire carts of unpaid merchandise out of the store while Melany distracted employees or attempted to pay for a single pack of gum with declining credit cards.
The Boca Raton Police Department’s investigation covered 52 separate transactions occurring between August 2025 and February 2026. During this period, the couple allegedly failed to scan 392 items, resulting in a total loss of $5,302.17 for Publix. Surveillance also tracked the couple to a residence on Banyan Road, noting they were the sole occupants of a black 2016 Land Rover Range Rover used during each of the alleged thefts.
Following their arrests, Melany Viljoen reportedly told investigators she was in “survival mode” and had been unable to work since moving to the United States because she lacks a visa. While she attempted to take sole responsibility for the crimes, police noted that video evidence showed the couple working in concert, with Peet often acting as a lookout or even shoplifting alone. Both have been charged with Aggravated Grand Retail Theft over $3,000 and were transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
