Bodycam footage has emerged showing Real Housewives of Pretoria star Mel Viljoen attempting to shield her husband, Peet Viljoen, during police questioning in the United States, claiming he had no idea groceries were allegedly not paid for.

The couple were arrested in Boca Raton, Florida, over an alleged shoplifting scheme at a local supermarket. They have since returned to South Africa, but their legal troubles are far from over.

During the interrogation, Mel repeatedly denied the allegations and attempted to protect her husband, insisting he had no idea what was happening.

The footage shows Mel seated in an interrogation room with soundproofing panels and a bottle of water on the table, as a female detective questions her.

The detective asked Mel to explain how the alleged shoplifting scheme worked.

“I don’t understand what you’re referring to,” Mel replied in footage posted by broadcaster eNCA.

The detective then asked how items priced at about 70 cents were allegedly scanned instead of products worth $16.99 (R278).

Closing her eyes in apparent disbelief, Mel responded: “I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

The detective alleged that surveillance footage showed the couple scanning a seasoning or gravy packet instead of paying for more items, including San Pellegrino sparkling water.

“It was me shopping. It wasn’t my husband,” Mel interjected.

The detective replied that both Mel and Peet appeared on the surveillance footage.

“Let’s take the semantics out of it. You’re both on camera. You may be scanning a gravy packet instead of paying for your San Pellegrino because I see you both like San Pellegrino.”

Mel responded: “Maybe there’s a misunderstanding.”

When asked what she believed the misunderstanding was, Mel said: “I’m not sure yet. You’ll have to give me more information.”

The detective continued, alleging that instead of paying $23.99 (R392) for the sparkling water, the couple paid only 79 cents by scanning a cheaper item, allowing them to leave with large trolleys of groceries for about $50 (R818).

ALSO READ: Real Housewives couple now faces felony charge in Florida shoplifting case

Private investigator cancels cooperation agreement

Meanwhile, private investigator Mike Bolhuis has cancelled a cooperation agreement with Mel Viljoen, citing multiple breaches of their arrangement.

Specialised Security Services (SSS), led by Bolhuis, announced the cancellation on Tuesday following what it described as a “material breach” of the agreement signed on 2 July.

In a public statement, SSS outlined seven specific breaches, including Mrs Viljoen’s failure to cooperate as promised, registering two BackaBuddy fundraising campaigns without consulting SSS, and engaging directly with the media in contravention of the agreement.

The organisation said Mrs Viljoen was aware of a protest campaign arranged on behalf of her husband outside the courthouse on 8 July but failed to inform SSS.

“Mrs Viljoen’s actions have demonstrated a lack of genuine commitment to the process of resolution, choosing instead to engage in public campaigns and media interactions whilst failing to provide the essential cooperation and information required to move the investigations forward,” the SSS statement read.

Despite the cancellation, Bolhuis confirmed that all investigations are ongoing and will continue in full support of the National Prosecuting Authority and relevant authorities.

Peet Viljoen has been in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Prison since his arrest at OR Tambo International Airport on 16 June 2026, following his deportation from the United States. He faces more than 400 charges including fraud, corruption, theft and forgery in connection with an alleged R27 million property fraud scheme involving the City of Johannesburg.

His bail application has been postponed to 23 July.

ALSO READ: Mel Viljoen offers full cooperation in fraud investigation as husband faces 400 charges