Following arrest of KZN’s most wanted suspect, communities urged to register cases against him
Linda Hlongwa was handcuffed on Tuesday, after being on the run for five years.
Linda Hlengwa, who also goes by the name ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’. Picture: SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)’s most wanted murder and extortion suspect has been arrested in Midrand during a joint operation between KZN and Gauteng police.
Linda Hlongwa was handcuffed on Tuesday, after being on the run for five years.
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He was wanted for extortion-related crimes as well as a double murder he allegedly committed earlier in 2025.
#sapsKZN [UPDATE] Police in KwaZulu-Natal, working hand in glove with their counterparts in Gauteng province, have made a major breakthrough when they arrested the most #wanted suspected murderer and extortionist Linda Hlongwa, who is commonly known as ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’.… pic.twitter.com/CSB9ehbofI
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 15, 2025
Hlongwa, known on the streets as "Mjinja" or "Putin", is said to have terrorised communities west of Durban.
His reign of terror saw police intensify their manhunt for him after he allegedly committed a double murder earlier this year.
"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,” said KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.
Hlongwa has been on the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s wanted list after he failed to appear in court in 2020 for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police claim he was extorting money from scholar transport owners, tuckshop owners, and local taxis in the areas of Mariannhill and surrounds, west of Durban.
Police are urging communities where Hlongwa is said to have committed his crimes to come forward and register cases against him.