The owner of the popular Njoms Security, a KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg-based security company that shot to fame by posting videos of its security personnel grilling crime suspects, has been arrested for murder.
Bruce Mhlongo (52), a known politically connected figure who was once part of the ANC security detail in the 90s, was arrested for the February 2022 killing of Thabani Innocent Zondi. The victim was 48 years old at the time and a teacher at Khethindlelenhle Primary School.
According to police, Zondi was shot and killed inside his vehicle at KwaPata area in Pietermaritzburg. The motive for the killing was not stated.
Shot multiple times inside his car
“When police arrived at the scene, the deceased was found sitting on the driver’s seat of his vehicle. He had… multiple gunshot wounds, and at least 21 cartridges were found at the scene. The case was later referred to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit. It successfully acquired the warrant of arrest for the security company owner, which was executed on Thursday,” the police said.
Police added that Mhlongo is also likely to be linked to other cases of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery. These were committed in the areas of Plessislaer and Richmond from 2022.
Possible links to other crimes
“His company firearms were seized and will be subjected to ballistic analysis,” police added.
He was arrested on Thursday. And he appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody. He will be in the dock again on 30 October 2025, where he will make a formal bid for bail.
Mhlongo’s arrest has revived the use of guns legally registered under security companies to commit murder. Sometimes they are used in political killings, armed robberies and cash-in-transit heists. During the Moerane commission it was heard how some security companies were allegedly involved in eliminating opponents. They did so using lawfully registered guns and bodyguards of politicians. The Moerane commission was probing political killings in KZN.
