La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal – A brazen hijacking and robbery unfolded at Casuarina Beach in La Mercy on Thursday afternoon, leaving a group of beachgoers traumatised after three armed suspects fled with a vehicle and personal belongings.
The incident occurred at approximately 13:25 during a social gathering.
According to reports, three unidentified male suspects approached the victims, with one producing a firearm to threaten the females in the group.
The suspects demanded vehicle keys and personal items before escaping in a white Kia Picanto.
Beachgoer Hijacked & Robbed: La Mercy – KZNhttps://t.co/T9tFBhrn4E#ArriveAlive #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/IQqCR7fmSL
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 5, 2026
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) detailed the sequence of events: the victim was at the beach with friends when “three (3) unidentified male suspects approached them. One (1) suspect reportedly produced a firearm and threatened the females before demanding vehicle keys and personal belongings.”
The suspects robbed the group of bank cards – including those belonging to another female – along with other items. They then fled in the stolen vehicle.
Stolen Vehicle Details
Police and RUSA have issued an urgent alert for the hijacked Kia Picanto, described as follows:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Make & Model | Kia Picanto |
| Colour | White |
| Registration | BK 56 SD ZN (plates removed) |
| Fuel Level | Approximately half tank |
| Identifying Marks | Grey wheel cap; dents on left-hand side |
| Items Inside | iPhone 11; Samsung A13 cellphone; bank cards; identity documents; bags and personal belongings |
No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have warned beachgoers to remain vigilant amid a rise in opportunistic crimes at coastal spots.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
