Real Housewives star Mel Viljoen and her husband, Peet Viljoen, had been arrested in the US after allegedly shoplifting groceries.

According to a police report, the couple went on a “criminal spree” over the past six months.

The Viljoens – who have a slew of legal disputes against them, including a Carte Blanche exposé on their alleged Tammy Taylor franchise fraud – swapped South Africa for America last year, where they intended to seek asylum due to their claims of “racial persecution”.

Now based in Miami, the couple has posted controversial social media posts, showing their support for US President Donald Trump and launching hate speech attacks against black people.

REAL HOUSEWIVES STARS MEL AND PEET VILJOEN ARRESTED IN US

According to a police report, Mel and Peet Viljoen were arrested for shoplifting at a supermarket in Palm Beach County.

Mugshots of Mel – who starred in The Real Housewives of Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa – and Peet, a disbarred lawyer, have gone viral.

Surveillance and store records revealed that the couple stole over $5 000 (R83 000) in groceries from a Publix store over a period of six months. Footage revealed the couple would scan cheaper products, while bagging more expensive ones during a self check-out system.

A police officer wrote in the reports: “She stated she was stealing because she was in survival mode and has not worked since coming to the U.S. due to not having a Visa.

“Over the course of the last 6 months, the Viljoens have worked in concert during multiple acts of retail thefts”.

The report detailed stolen items like La Marca Prosecco sparkling wine, San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water, Maison Perrier flavored sparkling water, and Coca-Cola Zero.

The Viljoens were taken to the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach, where they now face a retail theft felony charge. They were released on $10 000 bond each.

TROUBLE WITH THE LAW

Mel and Peet Viljoen have been accused of fleeing South Africa due to multiple ongoing criminal investigations.

They include:

Tammy Taylor Franchise Fraud

Mel and Peet headed up Tammy Taylor South Africa, selling franchise licenses to nail salon owners around the country. The founder of the international organisation , US businesswoman Tammy Taylor, challenged their right to use her trademark without her permission. A court ruled that the Viljoens did not own the trademark and were prohibited from using it. They are facing charges of fraud, racketeering, theft, and misrepresentation in an ongoing investigation.

Property fraud

Peel Viljoen is facing hundreds of charges of fraud, forgery, and corruption related to the illegal transfer of municipal buildings in the Johannesburg Metro.

Business fraud

A specialised security service accused Mel and Peet Viljoen of evading justice by failing to deliver goods sold to individuals.

Disbarment as an attorney

In 2011, Peet Viljoen was disbarred from practising law after he was found guilty of “unprofessional, dishonourable and inappropriate behaviour”, concluding that he was “not a fit and proper person” to practise law.

Hate speech

Mel and Peet Viljoen have brazenly admitted to being racists and “hating black people” in social media posts and on their podcast.