WATCH: Video footage shows moment Mel and Peet Viljoen get arrested
Video footage of reality stars Mel and Peet Viljoen’s arrest has been circulating on social media.
New police bodycam footage has surfaced showing the moment South African couple Melany “Mel” Viljoen and her husband Petrus “Peet” Viljoen were taken into custody in Florida.
The clips, which were shared by 'Carte Blanche' on X, document the pair being arrested on suspicion of retail theft.
The footage captures two separate scenes in Boca Raton. Peet was apprehended outdoors, while Mel was arrested outside the couple’s luxury apartment complex.
READ: 'Real Housewives of Pretoria' star and husband arrested for shoplifting
In the video, Peet is seen questioning the officers as they handcuff him. A female detective on the scene clarifies the reason for the arrest, stating: “I’m investigating a crime that has been occurring since last August. That’s what you’re being arrested for, for retail theft.”
The officer further informs Peet that he is being taken to headquarters for interrogation before being transported to a county jail.
Other videos also show Mel, dressed in a white gown, appearing confused as officers place her in handcuffs.
During the arrest, she asks to make a phone call, although officers explain this will be handled at a later stage.
She was permitted to change into regular clothing before being escorted to a police vehicle.
Earlier this week, South African couple Mel and Peet Viljoen were arrested for alleged "aggravated grand retail theft over $3,000" in Boca Raton, Florida. The Viljoens - known to #CarteBlanche viewers for the Tammy Taylor Nails franchise saga - were taken into custody on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/MJzh1RdcbV
— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) March 14, 2026
Mel and Peet Viljoen's arrest
One of television’s most controversial couples, Mel and Peet Viljoen, were arrested in the USA on Tuesday, 10 March, for allegedly shoplifting more than $5,300 worth of groceries (around R88,000).
PEOPLE also reports that the couple was arrested by Boca Raton Police in Florida and charged with aggravated grand theft over $3,000. They are being held on a $10,000 bond each (around R165,235).
The 'Housewife' and her husband were arrested in their black Range Rover during a routine traffic stop, and the vehicle is believed to be the same one used in the alleged theft.
Police said the couple had carried out a six-month retail theft scheme targeting a Publix supermarket, from August 2025 until their arrest in March 2026.
According to investigators, the accused conducted 52 transactions in which they allegedly used “ticket switching” tactics.
READ: Why Rachel Kolisi chose to keep the surname Kolisi
Ticket switching, or tag swapping, is “when someone takes a price tag from one item and puts it on another, typically hoping to get a lower price”.
Security footage showed them leaving the Publix store with full shopping carts, bypassing the self-checkout line.
WPBF reported that the affidavit stated the couple worked together. Peet distracted employees, while Mel stole the items by failing to scan them.
Mel allegedly told detectives during her interview that she had acted alone, although the footage clearly shows them both participating in the scheme.
She also claimed she stole the items because she was in “survival mode” and unable to work in the USA because she did not have a visa.
Local 10 News also writes: “The items stolen included La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavoured sparkling water, and Coca-Cola Zero.”
A police officer also mentioned in the arrest report that “there are also two incidents within the jurisdiction of Lighthouse Point in Broward County that were not reported due to the value not being significant.”
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Image: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office