One of KwaZulu-Natal’s most wanted suspects, Linda Hlongwa — known by the aliases ‘Mjinja’ and ‘Putin’ — was arrested in Midrand, Gauteng, marking a major breakthrough for law enforcement authorities.
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One of KwaZulu-Natal’s most wanted suspects, Linda Hlongwa – known by the aliases ‘Mjinja’ and ‘Putin’ – has been arrested in Midrand, Gauteng, in a major breakthrough for law enforcement authorities.
Hlongwa, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, was apprehended on Tuesday following years on the run. Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that Hlongwa had been evading justice since July 2020 after failing to appear in court on charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“Hlongwa was initially arrested on July 20, 2020, after being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Ukuthula Street in St Wendolins, Mariannhill. He was released from custody pending ballistic test results but subsequently ignored court summons and vanished,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
In a more recent turn of events, Hlongwa is now also the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend and her 52-year-old mother. The two women were shot and killed at their home on Income Road in Nazareth, Pinetown, on March 18, 2025.
Additionally, Hlongwa has been linked to a series of extortion cases targeting scholar transport operators, tuckshop owners, and taxi services across Mariannhill and surrounding townships. According to police, he is alleged to have used fear and intimidation to extract money from small business owners and transport operators in the community.
Colonel Netshiunda said the police services were grateful to community members who came forward with crucial information that led to the suspect’s capture.
“We thank the public for their support in this case. Anyone who has fallen victim to ‘Mjinja’ is urged to come forward and report the matter to their nearest police station so that justice can be served,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to bring all charges against Hlongwa to court.