KwaZulu-Natal police have escalated efforts to track down Linda Hlongwa, a fugitive known as “Mjinja” or “Putin,” who is the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of his 22-year-old girlfriend and her 52-year-old mother. The double homicide occurred at their home on Income Road in Nazareth, Pinetown, on 18 March 2025.
Authorities first listed Hlongwa as wanted in September 2024, but he remains at large. Police have urged the public to help locate him to prevent further violence.
Hlongwa has a history of evading law enforcement. He was arrested on 20 July 2020 in Mariannhill after being found with an illegal firearm and ammunition but was released pending ballistic tests. Since then, he has repeatedly failed to appear in court to face charges.
In addition to the murders, Hlongwa is linked to multiple extortion cases, where he allegedly intimidates business owners in Mariannhill and nearby areas. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on 9 September 2024.
Anyone with information on Hlongwa’s whereabouts is urged to contact Colonel Sikhakhane at 079 696 3546 or call Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.