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 diplomatic repercussions of Waluś’s return to Poland, particularly in terms of Polish-South African relations?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the upcoming arrival of Janusz Waluś to Poland. Mr. Waluś, as many will know, served a 29-year sentence in South Africa for the murder of anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani. He was released on parole in 2022 and is now eligible to return to his native Poland.
Joining us today is Professor Anya Petrov, an expert on South African history and politics. Professor Petrov, can you shed some light on the significance of this return?
**Professor Petrov:** Absolutely. Janusz Waluś’s crime shocked South Africa and cast a long shadow on Polish-South African relations. Hani was a revered figure, seen as instrumental in the fight against apartheid. His assassination nearly sparked a civil war. To many South Africans, Waluś remains a symbol of the brutality of that era, and his return is likely to reopen old wounds.
**Interviewer:** We understand the Polish consulate in South Africa has been tight-lipped about the details of Waluś’s return. Can you speculate on the reception he might receive in Poland?
**Professor Petrov:** It’s a complex situation. Some Poles may sympathize with Waluś, viewing him as a victim of circumstance or a political pawn. He has expressed remorse for his actions in recent years and even claimed to have renounced any racist beliefs he may have held. However, others, particularly those aware of the profound impact his crime had on South Africa, are likely to view his return with anger and distrust.
**Interviewer:** What are the broader political implications of this event?
**Professor Petrov:** This case highlights the enduring legacy of apartheid and the continued struggle for reconciliation in South Africa. It also shines a light on the complexities of dealing with individuals convicted of horrific crimes, especially those who have expressed remorse but lack full accountability.
Walus’ return is bound to provoke strong reactions both in South Africa and Poland. It will be crucial for both governments to handle the situation sensitively, with a focus on promoting understanding and healing while upholding justice and accountability. **[[1](https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-12-07-im-sorry-i-killed-hani-i-now-reject-apartheid-and-have-gone-back-to-my-catholic-roots-says-janusz-walus/)]**