The case of the South African reality television couple facing aggravated grand retail theft charges in Florida, USA, came before the court again last week, where their attorney entered not guilty pleas on their behalf whilst both remained in immigration detention.

Peet (57) and Mel Viljoen (39), known from The Real Housewives of Pretoria, were scheduled to appear in Palm Beach County court on Tuesday, 7 April, but neither was present as court records show both defendants were in ICE ( U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) custody. Their attorney entered not guilty pleas to one count each of aggravated retail theft. Both are next scheduled for a case disposition hearing on 7 May.

The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office filed the formal felony charge, a third-degree felony, marking an escalation from their March arrests when Boca Raton police linked them to a months-long “ticket-switching” scheme at a Publix on South Federal Highway.

Investigators said the thefts totalled more than $5 300 (about R86 700) in groceries. Police tied the couple to 52 transactions and 392 unpaid items, including groceries and household goods, between August 2025 and March 2026. Surveillance footage documented hundreds of the items, and arrest affidavits said the pair repeatedly scanned inexpensive seasoning packets instead of higher-priced merchandise whilst Peet allegedly distracted store employees.

The suspects were taken into custody on 10 March following a traffic stop involving their black Range Rover, the same vehicle investigators said was used during dozens of theft incidents.

Bodycam footage released on 17 March showed officers conducting the traffic stop. “You’re arresting me?” Peet asked the Boca Raton officers.

“I’m investigating a crime that’s been occurring since August of last year,” replied the officer. “That’s what you’re being arrested for – it’s for retail theft.”

Within 30 minutes, officers were at the door of their Newth Apartment where Mel, dressed in a robe, was taken into custody.

Both defendants were later placed under federal immigration detainers, preventing them from bonding out, and were transferred into ICE custody. Records showed Mel was being held at the Broward Transitional Centre, whilst Peet Viljoen was being held at the Florida Soft Side South detention facility, known as “Alligator Alcatraz”.

According to the CBS12 report, Mel told investigators she had not worked since coming to the US because she did not have a visa and said she was in “survivor mode”. The ICE detainer prevents them from posting bond and may extend the matter into federal immigration proceedings.

Troubled past in South Africa

The couple’s arrest in Florida came after they left South Africa early in 2025, where they faced multiple controversies and legal challenges.

In November 2022, Peet was hit with 347 corruption and fraud charges related to the alleged illegal sale and transfer of Johannesburg metro properties. He was accused of swindling the metro out of between 27 and 30 properties. Viljoen was released on R50 000 bail and was scheduled to appear in court in January 2023.

ALSO READ: Controversial Real Housewives stars arrested for supermarket theft scheme in the US

The couple also faced business-related controversies involving their company Tammy Taylor Nails SA. In October 2022, a Carte Blanche investigation featured allegations that the business was selling fake products. The investigation suggested the company was using local printing companies in Midrand to produce labels after the US branch of Tammy Taylor Nails cancelled their Master Licence Agreement with the South African operation.

In mid-2025, the US District Court (Southern District of California) ruled that the Viljoens infringed on Tammy Taylor’s registered trademarks and breached their licence agreement, ordering them to pay R71 million in statutory damages.

Mel also faced racial controversy in December 2022 when she was accused of “blackcenting” (an accent used by non-Black people to mimic Black speech) on Real Housewives of Pretoria. She denied the accusations, stating “That’s how I talk”.

Controversial social media posts

After relocating to the United States, the couple made controversial posts on social media. On 31 December 2025, Peet posted “America is good to us!” alongside a video in Afrikaans in which he said he and Mel were happy in America and planned to stay.

In the same video, Peet promoted the debunked “white genocide” conspiracy theory, stating in Afrikaans “almal weet van white genocide” (“everyone knows about white genocide”). He added that the situation in South Africa wouldn’t change.

The couple has been linked to promoting the “white genocide” lie, a conspiracy theory that has been widely discredited.

At one point, Peet also claimed he would become the richest lawyer in America.

ALSO READ: From reality TV to retail theft: The spectacular fall of Peet and Mel Viljoen

Immigration status uncertain

The couples US immigration status has also come under scrutiny following their arrest, with reports indicating they were in the country without proper work authorisation.

The ICE detainers placed on both defendants suggest potential deportation proceedings may be underway. Their next court appearance is scheduled for 7 May.

The aggravated grand retail theft case now moves forward in Palm Beach County court with both defendants maintaining not guilty pleas.

Sources: Miami Herald, CBS12, Fox 13 News