- Police have arrested Linda Hlongwa, also known as ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’, a man wanted in connection with multiple serious crimes, including murder and extortion. He was apprehended in Midrand, Gauteng, after evading authorities since July 2020.
- Hlongwa, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, had previously been arrested for possession of a firearm and ammunition but failed to appear in court after being released pending ballistic results. Since then, he has remained a fugitive.
Authorities allege that Hlongwa ( KwaZulu-Natal)was involved in the murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend and her 52-year-old mother. The two women were fatally shot in their home on Income Road in Nazareth, Pinetown, on March 18, 2025.
He is also suspected of extorting money from school transport operators, tuckshop owners, and taxi drivers in Mariannhill and surrounding communities.
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Police have credited members of the community for providing crucial information that led to Hlongwa’s arrest. Victims of his alleged crimes are encouraged to report their cases at the nearest police station.
