• Police say Linda Hlongwa, also known as ‘Putin’, was found hiding in Midrand on Tuesday afternoon.

• He is accused of double murder, extortion, and dodging court for nearly five years.

A man known as ‘Putin’ has been arrested in Midrand after dodging the law for years.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Linda Hlongwa — also called ‘Mjinja’ or ‘Putin’ — was arrested in 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.

“The most wanted ‘Mjinja’ has been on the loose since July 2020,” said Netshiunda.

He said Hlongwa was also believed to have been extorting money from school transport owners, tuckshops and taxi operators in Mariannhill and nearby areas.

“He calls himself the lion, but the community helped us cage him,” said Netshiunda. He thanked members of the public for tipping off the police and helping them make the arrest.

On Thursday last week, police put out a statement asking for help to find Hlongwa. Less than a week later, he was found and arrested.

Police are asking anyone who may have been a victim of Hlongwa’s alleged crimes to report it at their nearest police station.

Image caption: pictured above: Linda Hlongwa, also known as ‘Putin’, finally arrested.

Image source: SAPS