Reality TV Couple Charged in $5,300 Publix Theft Scheme

Peet and Melany Viljoen accused of using 'ticket switching' to steal from Florida grocery stores

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A South African reality TV couple known for their appearances on 'The Real Housewives of Pretoria' have been charged with aggravated grand retail theft after police say they stole more than $5,300 worth of merchandise from Publix stores in South Florida over a six-month period using a 'ticket switching' scheme.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of organized retail crime, where criminal groups target large retailers through sophisticated theft tactics. It also raises questions about the ability of reality TV stars to leverage their fame to commit crimes without consequences.

The details

Authorities say Petrus 'Peet' Jacoba Viljoen and Melany Viljoen repeatedly swapped price tags or scanned inexpensive seasoning packets in place of higher-priced items at Publix self-checkout lanes, resulting in hundreds of unpaid items. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the pair concealing items to avoid scanning them, leading to a total loss of $5,302.17 over 52 transactions.

  • Between August 29, 2025 and February 8, 2026, the couple allegedly carried out the thefts.
  • On February 12, Melany allegedly failed to pay for two cases of mineral water while Peet distracted employees.
  • On February 28, Melany allegedly failed to scan items totaling $117.17.

The players

Petrus "Peet" Jacoba Viljoen

One half of the reality TV couple charged in the Publix theft scheme.

Melany Viljoen

One half of the reality TV couple charged in the Publix theft scheme.

Publix

The grocery store chain that was targeted by the theft scheme.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I acted alone and was in 'survival mode' because I have not been able to work in the U.S. without a visa.”

— Melany Viljoen (Boca Raton Police Department)

“I deny committing ticket switching.”

— Petrus "Peet" Jacoba Viljoen (Boca Raton Police Department)

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 15 whether to grant bail for Peet and Melany Viljoen.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of organized retail crime, where criminal groups target large retailers through sophisticated theft tactics. It also raises questions about the ability of reality TV stars to leverage their fame to commit crimes without consequences.