SA reacts to arrest of Reality TV stars in the US

Social media has been flooded with reactions after reports emerged that Real Housewives of Pretoria star, Melany Viljoen and her husband, Petrus “Peet” Viljoen, were arrested in the United States on alleged theft charges.

The couple, who reportedly left South Africa last year amid fraud allegations and disbarment proceedings, were allegedly apprehended this week after stealing items valued at more than R87 800 from a supermarket.

They are understood to be held at the Main Detention Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida, facing felony charges of organised retail theft. Bail has reportedly been set at $10,000 each.

According to reports, the pair claimed they resorted to theft because they were in “survival mode” and had been unable to secure employment since arriving in the U.S. due to visa challenges.

Among those reacting online is Mommy Club personality Happy Simelane, who alleges the couple previously defrauded her of R2.8 million.

Happy Simelane celebrates the arrest of Melany Viljoen and Petrus “Peet” Viljoen.

Tammy Taylor scammers have been arrested pic.twitter.com/yXVqJIMiwO

— Patience (@officialtwinny) March 12, 2026

Shortly before leaving South Africa, the Viljoens posted a video on social media citing high crime levels as their reason for emigrating.

Melany Viljoen also previously drew controversy after criticising Black Economic Empowerment policies, claiming they had negatively affected her business.

Mel-Shoplifter-Viljoen says she fled South Africa 🇿🇦 because black people were raiding her salon and home, threatening her. She says black people in SA kill whomever the want, and BEE laws forced blacks in her business and they stole it. pic.twitter.com/qbSvZ6cDAk

— Just Tumi (@TheDeveloperess) March 12, 2026

Melany also publicly declared herself a supporter of US President Donald Trump in September last year, claiming that Trump “sees the boere”.

Melany Viljoen, from Real Housewives of Pretoria, is now parading herself as Donald Trump’s biggest South African cheerleader. She claims Trump “sees the Boere” and promises they’ll be “welcome in America.” Cute except this is coming from the same woman whose empire is built on… pic.twitter.com/8wRxs5vwru

— OnTheGround (@GroundMatters) September 2, 2025

Social media commentary has since intensified, with many users expressing disbelief and humour over the couple’s arrest abroad.

The funny thing about this for me is that Mel Viljoen accused me of being a loser for defending our country against fake “white genocide” and “white Afrikaner persecution” propaganda. She also called me an idiot for choosing to stay in South Africa. Now her mugshot is everywhere…

— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) March 12, 2026

Peet and Mel Viljoen are serious sgebengas. How they secured US visas with their criminal history is bewildering to me.

— Nomi (@Knowmeee) March 13, 2026

RePeet offenders. pic.twitter.com/nWf5BS0IH0

— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) March 12, 2026

Am I glad the RACIST Mel and Peet were arrested for shoplifting in the US!! pic.twitter.com/7w72RKkPtH

— Amukelani Moyani (@AmukelaniMoyani) March 13, 2026

@yfm

The Viljoen family from Pretoria, South Africa, who relocated to the United States citing safety concerns, are now under police investigation after allegedly using fraudulent grocery store tickets in multiple incidents, raising legal trouble and community concern over the reported scam. #yfm #US #coupletheft #housewivesofpretoria #SA

♬ original sound – YFM