Melany “Mel” Viljoen, known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, has reportedly been arrested in the United States alongside her husband, Peet Viljoen, in connection with alleged retail theft.
According to reports from US media, the couple were arrested on Tuesday in Boca Raton after authorities accused them of shoplifting from a supermarket.
Police allege that over a period of about six months the pair were involved in multiple theft incidents. Surveillance footage and store records reportedly indicated that goods worth more than $5,300 (around R87,000) were taken from a Publix supermarket located on South Federal Highway in the city.
The items allegedly stolen included beverages such as sparkling wine, mineral water and soft drinks.
In an arrest report cited by US media, Mel Viljoen reportedly told officers that she had resorted to stealing because she had been unable to work since arriving in the United States due to visa issues.
Authorities also indicated that additional theft incidents may have taken place at other supermarkets in nearby areas, although some were not formally reported because the value of the items was considered relatively small.
The couple were booked at the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach on Tuesday afternoon. Each faces a felony charge of organised retail theft and was granted bail set at $10,000.
Peet Viljoen previously faced legal troubles in South Africa and was struck from the roll of attorneys in 2011, preventing him from practising law.
The couple have also been involved in legal disputes linked to the use of the Tammy Taylor brand in South Africa after their licence to operate under the name expired.
Despite past controversies, the pair later gained public attention through their appearances on reality television.
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