Most wanted suspect ‘Mjinja’ arrested in Midrand
Police in KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with their Gauteng counterparts, have arrested one of South Africa’s most wanted suspects, Linda Hlongwa also known as ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’. He was arrested today in Midrand, Gauteng.
Hlongwa had been on the run since July 2020 after failing to appear in court on charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Authorities were also pursuing him in connection with the recent double murder of his girlfriend and her mother, who were shot dead in Pinetown in March 2025.
In addition to the murder allegations, ‘Mjinja’ is suspected of extorting money from scholar transport operators, tuckshop owners, and taxi businesses in Mariannhill and surrounding townships. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and extortion in the region.
