Midrand, Gauteng – After a five-year manhunt, Linda “Putin” Hlongwa, also known as Mjinja, has been apprehended by law enforcement in Midrand, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 15 April. Hlongwa, dubbed South Africa's most wanted suspected murderer and extortionist, had been evading justice since July 2020, and is now facing a slew of charges, including the double murder of his girlfriend and her mother.
The arrest was the result of a joint operation between the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police and their counterparts in Midrand. KZN police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the significant breakthrough, stating that officers had been working closely with their Gauteng colleagues to bring Hlongwa to justice.
Hlongwa first came to the attention of law enforcement on July 20, 2020, when he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Ukuthula Street in St Wendolins in Mariannhill. He was arrested and charged, but subsequently released from custody pending ballistic results. Since then, he ignored summons to appear in court to face his charges and went on the run.
While evading justice, Hlongwa is alleged to have committed further crimes, including the brutal murders of his 22-year-old girlfriend and her 52-year-old mother. Police said the two women were shot and killed at their home in Income Road in Nazareth, Pinetown, on March 18, 2025.
In addition to the double murder, Hlongwa is also accused of running an extortion racket, preying on vulnerable business owners in the Mariannhill area and nearby townships. According to Colonel Netshiunda, "Putin" is believed to have been extorting money from scholar transport owners, tuckshop owners, and local taxi drivers in the area.
Police have urged anyone who fell victim to Hlongwa's crimes to come forward and open a case at their nearest police station. Colonel Netshiunda emphasized the importance of community involvement in bringing criminals to justice, stating that KZN police were grateful to community members who provided valuable information which led to Hlongwa's arrest. "Anyone who fell victim of ‘Mjinja’ is urged to go to the nearest police station and open a case so that justice can be served," he added.
Hlongwa was arrested along with two other suspects in Carlswald.
“The most wanted ‘Mjinja’ has been on the loose since July 2020 when he failed to appear in court where he was facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police were also looking for him in connection with the double murder of his girlfriend and her mother, who were shot and killed in Pinetown in March 2025,” he said.
The arrest of Linda "Putin" Hlongwa marks a significant victory for law enforcement and a step towards justice for the victims of his alleged crimes. He will now face charges for illegal possession of a firearm, the double murder of his girlfriend and her mother, and numerous counts of extortion. The community of Mariannhill and surrounding areas can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this dangerous criminal is finally behind bars.
