RHOP’s Mel Viljoen claims she acted alone in Publix theft, insists husband Peet is innocent

Mel Viljoen allegedly said she acted alone as US Police probe Publix thefts. Real Housewives of Pretoria star Melany “Mel” Viljoen allegedly told police in the United States that she was in “survival mode” and that her husband, Peet Viljoen, had nothing to do with the alleged thefts at a Publix supermarket in Boca Raton, Florida. According to police,Melinsisted she was the only one committing the crimes.

She maintained this even after officers showed her footage of Peet allegedly stealing alone in the store on August 29, 2025. She claimed she had been unable to work since moving to the US due to visa restrictions, leaving her in a precarious situation. Thecouplehad reportedly gone to the US seeking new opportunities, but over the past six months, they allegedly coordinated multiple acts of retail theft together.

In documents seen byIOL,authorities said that from September 3 to December 24, 2025, the total loss at Publix store was $3,556.71 (about R59 742). “She was shown numerous pictures and videos of them in the Publix store. She confirmed their identities in the photos and videos,” police said.

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Investigators explained that in each incident, the Viljoens allegedly arrived and departed in the same black Range Rover in which Peet was pulled over, using a consistent method of taking items from the store. Melreportedly admitted to stealing due to her precarious situation. The couple’s alleged methodical approach has prompted law enforcement to continue their investigation into the full extent of their alleged thefts.

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