South Africa finally arrests ‘Putin’

By Adeola Atanda

 

South African police are excited to have arrested a notorious criminal, who goes by the moniker ‘Putin’ or ‘Mjinja’. Local news outlets say the suspect with real name Linda Hlongwa is a murderer and extortionist.

“Mjinja, the self-proclaimed lion who was one of our most wanted suspects, has been on the loose since July 2020 when he failed to appear in court where he was facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” local media quoted police chief, Col Robert Netshiunda, as saying.

He added, “Police were also looking for him in connection with the double murder of his girlfriend and her mother who were fatally shot in Pinetown in March 2025.

“Mjinja is believed to have been extorting money from scholar transport owners, tuck shop owners and taxis in the areas of Mariannhill and nearby townships.”

Netshiunda asked anyone who may have fallen victim to extortion to open a case with police “so justice can be served”.

Credit: Times Live