ONE of Pinetown’s most wanted fugitives, Linda Hlongwa — also known as “Mjinja” or “Putin” — has been arrested in Midrand, Gauteng, in connection with the brutal murder of his girlfriend and her mother.

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The double murder took place in March 2025 in Pinetown, shocking the local community. Since then, police have been tracking Hlongwa, who had also previously skipped court in 2020 while facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

KwaZulu-Natal police, working closely with their Gauteng counterparts, made the arrest on Tuesday afternoon (April 15). According to police, Hlongwa is linked to the Pinetown murders, and is also accused of operating an extortion ring in Mariannhill and nearby townships.

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He allegedly extorted money from scholar transport operators, tuckshop owners, and members of the local taxi industry, using threats and intimidation to collect so-called “protection fees”.

Known to some as a self-proclaimed “lion,” Hlongwa had evaded law enforcement for nearly five years. His arrest is seen as a major breakthrough for KwaZulu-Natal police, who thanked the public for providing critical information.

“We are extremely grateful to the community members whose tips led to this high-profile arrest. Justice is now one step closer for the victims and their families,“ said KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

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Police are calling on anyone who may have fallen victim to Hlongwa’s alleged crimes to open a case at their nearest police station.

The investigation continues, and more charges may follow as authorities dig deeper into the extent of his alleged criminal network.

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