A man wanted by KwaZulu-Natal police in connection with a string of extortion cases in the Mariannhill and Durban areas has been arrested in Midrand, Gauteng.

Linda Hlongwa has also been allegedly linked to the murder of his girlfriend and her mother that took place in Pinetown, west of Durban last month.

Police say the suspect has been on the run since 2020.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal, working hand in glove with their counterparts in Gauteng province, have made a major breakthrough when they arrested the most wanted suspected murderer and extortionist. Police were also looking for him in connection with the double murder of his girlfriend and her mother who were shot and killed in Pinetown in March 2025,” says Provincial Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

“He is believed to have been extorting money from scholar transport owners, tuckshop owners, and local taxis in the areas of Mariannhill and the nearby townships. Police in KwaZulu-Natal are thankful to community members who provided valuable information which led to the arrest,” adds Netshiunda.

RT #sapsKZN [WARRANT OF ARREST] Elusive ‘Mjinja’ #wanted for the murder of his girlfriend and her mother. #SAPS KZN intensified the search for Linda Hlongwa who is now believed to be behind the double murder of his 22yr-old girlfriend and her 52yr-old mother who were shot and… pic.twitter.com/kZZKqNY2lw

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 10, 2025