Boca Raton, Florida – A reality television couple known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Pretoria is facing criminal charges in South Florida after police say they were involved in a months-long retail theft scheme targeting Publix stores.
According to the Boca Raton Police Department, Petrus “Peet” Jacoba Viljoen and Melany Viljoen have been charged with aggravated grand retail theft after investigators determined the couple allegedly stole more than $5,300 worth of merchandise from grocery stores in the region.
Authorities say the alleged thefts occurred over a six-month period between Aug. 29, 2025, and Feb. 8, 2026, with investigators linking multiple suspicious transactions to the couple’s payment cards.
Police allege the couple used a “ticket switching” method at self-checkout lanes to avoid paying for expensive items.
Investigators Say Scheme Used Self-Checkout Manipulation
According to an arrest affidavit, the couple allegedly carried out a “ticket switching” scheme, a tactic where shoppers replace the price tag of an expensive product or scan a cheaper item instead.
In this case, investigators say the suspects often scanned inexpensive seasoning packets instead of higher-priced merchandise at self-checkout stations.
Authorities say seasoning packets were sometimes hidden under items so that they would be scanned instead of the actual products being purchased.
The alleged strategy allowed the pair to walk out with higher-priced groceries while paying significantly less than the actual value.
Officials say the scheme resulted in hundreds of items leaving the store without being paid for.
Publix Analyst Flagged Suspicious Transactions
The investigation reportedly began after a Publix data analyst detected unusual purchasing patterns connected to debit and credit cards linked to the couple.
The transactions were flagged between late August 2025 and early February 2026, prompting a closer review of the activity.
Police then examined surveillance footage from several Publix locations across South Florida.
Surveillance video allegedly showed the suspects concealing seasoning packets beneath merchandise while scanning items at self-checkout lanes.
Investigators say they reviewed 52 separate transactions tied to the suspects.
According to the affidavit, the pair allegedly failed to scan 392 items, with 369 of those incidents clearly captured on video.
The reported financial loss to the retailer was calculated at $5,302.17.
Police Identified Suspects Through Surveillance
Authorities said they were able to identify the suspects using CCTV footage and vehicle records.
Investigators spotted the pair arriving at stores in a black 2016 Land Rover Range Rover registered to Melany Viljoen, which helped confirm their identities.
The affidavit also claims that during some of the alleged thefts, Peet Viljoen distracted store employees while Melany carried out the actions at the self-checkout register.
Investigators say the distraction tactic allowed the alleged scheme to continue without drawing attention from staff.
Additional Incidents Described in Affidavit
Police cited several specific incidents while building the case against the couple.
In one instance on Feb. 12, authorities say Melany attempted to purchase a pack of gum but the transaction was unsuccessful. During that time, investigators claim Peet walked out of the store with two cases of mineral water without paying.
In another incident on Feb. 28, Melany allegedly failed to scan items totaling $117.17.
These events were included as part of the broader investigation into the alleged retail theft operation.
Arrest and Statements to Police
Authorities said Peet Viljoen was arrested on March 10 during a traffic stop.
After being read his rights, investigators said he denied taking part in any ticket-switching activity.
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Melany Viljoen reportedly admitted to the thefts, but told investigators that she acted alone.
According to the affidavit, Melany claimed she was in “survival mode” because she was unable to work in the United States without a visa.
Both suspects are now facing charges of aggravated grand retail theft over $3,000, a felony offense under Florida law.
Officials say the case remains under review as it moves through the legal process.
What are your thoughts on this case and the rise of retail theft schemes involving self-checkout systems? Share your views respectfully in the comments and join the conversation.
