Boca Raton, FL – Newly released body camera footage is shedding light on the arrest of a couple linked to a reported $5,000 retail theft scheme at a South Florida grocery store, a case that has since escalated into federal immigration detention. Melany Viljoen, 39, and Petrus “Peet” Viljoen, 57—identified in reports as connected to “The Real Housewives of Pretoria”—were taken into custody following a traffic stop earlier this month.
Police say the couple is accused of carrying out a months-long “ticket-switching” operation at a Boca Raton Publix, where lower-priced items were allegedly scanned in place of more expensive goods.
Police detail months-long scheme involving hundreds of items
According to affidavits, investigators tied the pair to 52 separate transactions involving 392 unpaid items, including groceries and household goods. Authorities say 369 of those items were confirmed through surveillance footage.
FAFO: Body-cam footage released after 'Real Housewives of Pretoria' couple, who are now in the ICE facility "Alligator Alcatraz," were pulled over for a $5K Publix theft
Melany Viljoen, 39, and Petrus “Peet” Viljoen, 57, were arrested for allegedly stealing more than $5,300 in… pic. /S4Rm6EK13O— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 19, 2026
Key Points
- Couple accused of stealing over $5,300 in goods from Publix through ticket-switching
- Police linked them to 52 transactions and nearly 400 unpaid items
- Both suspects are now in ICE custody following their arrest
Investigators allege Melany Viljoen carried out the price-switching at checkout, while Petrus Viljoen distracted store employees during transactions. Items listed in reports include sparkling water, wine, soda, produce, and other everyday goods.
The couple was stopped by police on March 10, when officers conducted a traffic stop that led to their arrest. Authorities later searched their apartment as part of the investigation.
ICE detainer places couple in federal custody
Following their arrest, both individuals were placed under federal immigration detainers. Officials say Melany Viljoen is being held at the Broward Transitional Center, while Petrus Viljoen is detained at the Florida Soft Side South facility, commonly referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Immigration authorities are now reviewing their status as the criminal case proceeds. Law enforcement has not indicated when additional court proceedings will take place.
