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 long-term social and political consequences of Janusz Walus’s return to Poland for South Africa?
## Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, South African History Expert
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrova, a renowned expert in South African history and politics. Dr. Petrova, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** We’re discussing the impending return of Janusz Waluś to Poland after serving 29 years in a South African prison for the assassination of Chris Hani. Can you remind our viewers who Chr
is Hani was and why his murder was so significant?
**Dr. Petrova:** Chris Hani was a prominent leader of the South African Communist Party and a major figure in the anti-apartheid movement. He was beloved by many for his charisma and dedication to the fight against racial segregation. His assassination in 1993, just as apartheid was ending, sent shockwaves through South Africa and nearly plunged the country into civil war. Many feared it would derail the transition to democracy.
**Host:** Right, and Janusz Waluś is the man who carried out that assassination. He was granted parole last year and is now able to leave South Africa. What are the implications of his return to Poland?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is a complicated issue with far-reaching implications. On one hand, Waluś was granted parole after serving nearly three decades in prison, which reflects South Africa’s commitment to rehabilitation and restorative justice.
On the other hand, the trauma of Hani’s murder is still deeply felt by many South Africans. Waluś’s return to Poland could reignite old wounds and re-open painful discussions about the legacy of apartheid. [1]
**Host:** We’ve seen some reports suggesting Waluś has expressed remorse for his actions. Do you think this will be enough to appease those who are still deeply affected by Hani’s death?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s a complex question. While Waluś has acknowledged that he committed a “grave sin”, his lack of genuine remorse over the years has made it difficult for many to forgive him. His return to Poland may offer him a fresh start, but it’s unlikely to erase the pain and anger felt by those who lost a leader and a symbol of hope in Hani.
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. This is certainly a story we will continue to follow closely.
**Dr. Petrova:** My pleasure.
