Body-cam footage released after 'Real Housewives of Pretoria' couple, who are now in the ICE facility "Alligator Alcatraz," were pulled over for a $5K Publix theft
Melany Viljoen, 39, and Petrus “Peet” Viljoen, 57, were arrested for allegedly stealing more than $5,300 in groceries from a Boca Raton Publix through a months-long “ticket-switching” scheme
Police say surveillance linked them to 52 transactions and 392 unpaid items, including sparkling water, wine, soda, produce, and household staples, with 369 items confirmed on video
According to affidavits, Melany scanned cheaper items in place of higher-priced products while Petrus allegedly distracted employees
The couple was taken into custody during a March 10 traffic stop, and officers then went to their apartment
Both are now held under a federal detainer while immigration authorities review their status
Melany is in ICE custody at the Broward Transitional Center, and Petrus is at the Florida Soft Side South facility, also known as Alligator Alcatraz