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 at his temple. I then got into the car and drove away as fast as I could it was possible.”
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Right, let’s have a look at this then. Janusz Waluś, the bloke who bumped off Chris Hani, is coming back to Poland. Now, I don’t know about you, but I always thought South Africa was a bit rough around the edges, but apparently, they’re letting murderers pop off to Eastern Europe for a bit of pierogi and vodka.
Waluś, eh? Sounds like a bloke who wouldn’t say no to a good steak. Except, of course, he’s a veggie now, innit? Because, you know, karma. Turns out shooting a prominent communist leader in cold blood doesn’t exactly make you popular at the veggie barbecue.
He’s been banging on about "grave sin" this and "no remorse" that, but somehow I don’t think the South African government are going to be sending him a graduation certificate in repentance any time soon. More like a one-way ticket to Krakow, where he can blend in with the crowds, possibly while wearing a very, very large hat.
And the Polish consulate? Tight-lipped as a teenager on prom night. Safety concerns, they’re bleating. Hope they’ve got a good iron bar arrangement at the embassy. I wouldn’t want to be the bloke delivering his takeaway.
You see, this is the thing about history, innit? Doesn’t matter how far you run, it always catches up to you. Like a toddler with a dirty nappy. And Janusz, my friend, you stink.
Oh, and the bit about the Pride and Modernity lot collecting for him? Classic! Makes you wonder if they were planning to
build a statue of him outside Tesco. "Waluś: He loved sausages…and shooting communists."
Anyway, keep your eyes peeled, Poland. A very special guest is coming to town. And bring your own body armor. You never know what might happen when a bloke with a Z88 and a grudge comes knocking.
taps microphone
Is this thing on?
What are the potential diplomatic ramifications of Waluś’s return to Poland, specifically regarding the relationship between South Africa and Poland?
## Interview on Janusz Waluś’ Impending Return to Poland
**(Intro music fades)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a story that’s making headlines and stirring up strong emotions: the impending return of Janusz Waluś to Poland. Waluś, of course, was sentenced to life in prison for the assassination of South African anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani in 1993. After serving 29 years, he was granted conditional release in 2022, and now, according to recent reports, he’s set to return to his homeland.
Joining us to discuss this complex situation is Dr. Anna Nowak, a political science professor specializing in South African history and Polish emigration. Dr. Nowak, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Nowak:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Why is this return causing such a stir?
**Dr. Nowak:** Waluś’s crime remains a deeply sensitive issue in South Africa. Hani was a beloved figure, a symbol of the fight against apartheid. His assassination sent shockwaves through the nation at a critical juncture in its history. Many believe Waluś’s release, and now his return to Poland, are a slap in the face to those who fought for a democratic South Africa.
**Host:** It’s certainly a sensitive topic. Some argue Waluś has served his time and deserves to return home. What are your thoughts on that?
**Dr. Nowak:** It’s a difficult question with no easy answers. On one hand, Waluś completed his sentence as ordered by the South African judicial system. On the other hand, his crime had a profound impact on South Africa, and his return could reopen old wounds.
**Host:** Reports indicate Waluś has expressed remorse for his crime. Would that mitigate the anger and pain he caused?
**Dr. Nowak:** He has described his actions as a ”grave sin,” but there have been continued doubts about his sincerity. His lack of visible remorse in his initial trial, coupled with reports of his connections to far-right groups in South Africa after his release, have fueled distrust.
**Host:** What are the potential implications of Waluś’s return to Poland for both countries? Are there fears of diplomatic tension?
**Dr. Nowak:** While there might be some diplomatic awkwardness, it’s unlikely to escalate into a major crisis. Poland’s government insists it’s following legal procedures and has no involvement in Waluś’s relocation decisions, [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-63887332)]. However, the incident puts a spotlight on complex issues surrounding historical accountability, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
**Host:** Indeed, it raises fascinating and challenging questions. Dr. Nowak, thank you for sharing your insights on this intricate situation.
**(Outro music fades in)**
