He is accused of killing his girlfriend and her mother Linda Hlongwa, known as ‘Putin’ or ‘Mjinja’ has been arrested in Midrand after running from the law for years.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Putin was arrested in Midrand Gauteng on Tuesday. Hlongwa is accused of killing his girlfriend and her mother in Pinetown in March 2025. Police say he was also wanted for illegally possessing a gun and ammunition, and for failing to appear in court back in July 2020.
Colonel Netshiunda said police in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng worked together to track down Hlongwa. He is also believed to have extorted money from school transport owners, tuckshops and taxi operators in Mariannhill.
“The most wanted ‘Mjinja’ has been on the loose since July 2020. He calls himself the lion, but the community helped us cage him,” said Netshiunda.
Bongi Sikelo 