Janusz Waluś is to come to Poland. His crime shocked South Africa Photo. Maciej Luczniewski/REPORTER
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As we reported in November 2022, a court in South Africa decided that Janusz Waluś would be released conditionally. The Pole had been serving a 29-year life sentence there for the murder of Chris Hani, the leader of the South African Communist Party.
However, as Onet has now established, he is to come to Poland in the coming weeks, but according to the law in South Africa, he can leave the country no earlier than two years after his conditional release. This deadline is now passing.
The portal asked the Polish consulate of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria about him. “We cannot provide more information due to the procedures adopted in the ministry for the circulation and provision of information, as well as the specificity of Mr. Janusz Waluś’s situation, including his personal safety” – was provided to Onet in a response signed by Robert Rusiecki, head of the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria .
Janusz Waluś was born in 1953 in Zakopane, he also had South African citizenship. In 1981, he emigrated to South Africa, where he joined his father and brother, who had been there for several years.
The Waluś family ran a small glassworks there, but when the business went bankrupt, the father left, his brother found another job, and Janusz Waluś himself became a truck driver. In 1986, he became a citizen and became involved in political activities.
Waluś became famous a few years ago when, thanks to a report by Superwizjer, it turned out that the Pride and Modernity association (the one that celebrated Hitler’s birthday and which was dissolved by the court) was conducting a collection for Waluś. In addition, the collection was registered on the Public Collection Portal belonging to the Ministry of Interior and Administration.
On April 10, 1993, Janusz Waluś shot Chris Hani, the black leader of the communist party. He did it in front of his own house. As a result, 1.5 million people took to the streets, almost a civil war broke out, and the situation was miraculously brought under control.
The Pole became a synonym for apartheid, racism and terrorism there. The person concerned himself emphasized years later that he had committed a “grave sin”, but had not shown any remorse.
This is what he said in court about the incident: “He was getting out of his car. I put the Z88 pistol in the belt at the back of my pants and approached him. I didn’t want to shoot him in the back, so I called out: Mister Hania. He turned around and I pulled out the gun and shot him .When he fell over, I shot him a second time. This time, when he fell to the ground, I fired two more shots into his temple. Then I got into the car and drove away as fast as I could it was possible.”
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Right, let’s have a chinwag about this "Janusz Waluś" character, shall we? The bloke’s coming to Poland, apparently. After, I don’t know, chilling in South Africa for nearly thirty years for bumping off Chris Hani, the leader of , erm, the South African Communist Party. Now, I’m not saying the bloke was a saint, mind you. Sounds a bit dodgy, doesn’t he, shooting someone in front of their own house? Bang, bang, bang, just like that. No remorse, apparently. Says it was a "grave sin" but still, finishing someone off like that deserves a bit more of a ‘mea culpa’, don’t you think?
It’s baffling, isn’t it? The bloke becomes some kind of poster boy for apartheid, racism, all that nasty business. And then he gets released, on parole, mind you, after roughly thirty years. You’d think they’d lock him up and throw away the key, wouldn’t you? But no, he gets to swan around, planning his return to Poland.
Now, I don’t know about you, but the whole thing stinks a bit, doesn’t it? Like a week-old sock wedged under the sofa. South Africa seems mighty keen to get rid of him, what with him being a walking, talking symbol of their troubled past. Can’t blame them, can you? And Poland, well, they’re welcoming him back with open arms, it seems.
But here’s the kicker – the bloke’s been collecting dosh from some dodgy right-wing groups. You know, the type that celebrate Hitler’s birthday with a slice of cake and a chorus of "Sieg Heil!" Doesn’t exactly scream ‘rehabilitated’ does it?
So here we are, waiting with bated breath to see what this charming chap gets up to next. Will he start a new life as a pious farmer? More likely, he’ll be back to his old tricks, stirring up trouble, causing a right old ruckus.
One thing’s for sure, it’ll be bloody entertaining.
What are the potential implications of Janusz Waluś’ return to Poland for the relationship between Poland and South Africa?
## Interview Transcript: Janusz Waluś’ Upcoming Return to Poland
**(Host):** Today, we have a complex and controversial topic to discuss; the upcoming return of Janusz Waluś to Poland after serving 29 years for the murder of South African communist leader Chris Hani. Joining us is Dr. Maria Nowak, a specialist in international relations and political extremism. Dr. Nowak, thanks for being with us.
**(Dr. Nowak):** Thank you for having me.
**(Host):** Let’s start by setting the scene. For our listeners who may not be aware, can you briefly explain who Janusz Waluś is, and what led to his conviction?
**(Dr. Nowak):** Janusz Waluś was a Polish immigrant to South Africa who became infamous for assassinating Chris Hani, a prominent leader of the South African Communist Party and a key figure in the fight against apartheid in 1993. Waluś was sentenced to life imprisonment but was recently granted conditional release after serving 29 years. According to information from Onet.pl [[1](https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janusz_Walu%C5%9B)], he is now eligible to return to Poland.
**(Host):** This news has generated significant controversy both in South Africa and here in Poland. What are some of the main points of contention surrounding his return?
**(Dr. Nowak):** That’s absolutely right. In South Africa, Waluś remains a figure of deep resentment and is seen as a symbol of the brutality and racial hatred that fueled apartheid. Many there believe he should have served his full sentence in South Africa, arguing that his return to Poland lets him escape due accountability.
Here in Poland, the situation is more complex. While some see him as a victim of a politically motivated trial or a symbol of Polish resistance against communism, others view his actions with disgust. There are also concerns about his potential safety in Poland, given the strong emotions his case evokes.
éclairage: Right, let’s have a chinwag about this “Janusz Waluś” character, shall we?
**(Host):** Given these complexities, what are the potential implications of his return for Poland’s relationship with South Africa?
**(Dr. Nowak):** This is a delicate situation. Waluś’ crime deeply scarred South Africa, and his presence in Poland, even after completing his sentence, could strain diplomatic ties.
The Polish government will have to tread carefully, balancing respect for the decision of the South African court while being empathetic to the ongoing pain and anger expressed by many in South Africa.
**(Host):** Dr. Nowak, looking ahead, what do you anticipate will be the main challenges and opportunities surrounding Waluś’ reintegration into Polish society?
**(Dr. Nowak):**
His reintegration will undoubtedly be a challenge. Many Poles may find it challenging to accept him, considering the severity of his crime. He may face social isolation and possible threats to his safety.
On the other hand, there might be some who see him as a symbol of resistance against communism, particularly within certain political circles. How Polish society ultimately encounters and addresses his return will be a crucial test of its ability to grapple with a complex and divisive history.
**(Host):
(Dr. Nowak):
**(Host):** Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Nowak. This is undoubtedly a developing story, and we will continue to follow it closely.
