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 in the head. When he fell to the ground, I shot him two more times in the temple. Then I got into the car and drove away as fast as I could it was possible.”
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Right, so Janusz Waluś, sounds like a right laugh, doesn’t he? This bloke’s got more baggage than Heathrow Terminal 5. Murderer, apartheid sympathizer, apparently had a dodgy association collecting for him – the Chuckle Brothers had a more wholesome image!
And South Africa’s just like, “Yeah, cheers, champ, you can go back to Poland now.” You see, this is what happens when you’re a convicted murderer in South Africa – you get a flippin’ holiday! “Right, Janusz, you’ve served your time. Now get out and give the tourism industry a boost!”
But, hold on a minute, isn’t there a little technicality? Something about having to stay in the country for two years after being paroled? What happened, did they forget to mention that to Janusz? “Oops, sorry mate, just a teensy detail we left out. You know, like telling you the cuppa’s going cold.” Oh, South Africa, you’re a right card, aren’t you?
And the Polish consulate’s all, “We can’t say much. Personal safety, you know.” Yeah, hardly surprising, is it? Imagine the welcome committee back in Poland,’). “Come one, come all! Let’s welcome home the guy who shot a communist leader!”
Speaking of which, Chris Hani… a real icon, wasn’t he? Shot dead outside his own house, a right tragedy. And Waluś, the charming chap, had the nerve to say he didn’t want to shoot him in the back – prefers shooting him in the head! To be fair, he’s very concise. Gets to the point, doesn’t muck about with small talk.
Oh, and let’s not forget the “Pride and Modernity” association. Cheers lads, you’re such great patrons of the arts! “We’re celebrating Hitler’s birthday and oh yeah, we’re “collecting” for the bloke who killed a millionaire communist. Just a little side hustle.” Charming!
Look, I’m not saying he shouldn’t be released, but you can see why South Africa might have a few reservations. This isn’t bingo night at the local Bowls Club. Do they have an international welcoming committee when he gets off the plane? “Welcome to Poland, Janusz! Got your toiletries? Mind their pavements, they’re prone to potholes.”
Waluś. What a name. Sounds like a sneeze. “Achoo! Janusz Waluś!” Bless you, lad. Maybe next time try a different solution to your political disagreements, eh? Like a nice cup of tea and a chat?
Right, who’s for a biscuit?
What safety concerns exist regarding Waluś’s return to Poland?
## Interview with Dr. Agnieszka Nowak, Political Analyst
**Host:** Dr. Nowak, thank you for joining us today. We’re discussing the return of Janusz Waluś to Poland after spending decades in South African prison. Can you give our viewers some context around this story?
**Dr. Nowak:** Certainly. Janusz Waluś was convicted in South Africa for the assassination of Chris Hani, a prominent leader in the South African Communist Party back in 1993. This event nearly sparked a civil war and Waluś became a symbol of apartheid and racial violence.
**Host:** He was sentenced to life in prison, so why is he being released now?
**Dr. Nowak:** Waluś was granted parole in 2022 after serving 29 years. South African law requires that a person on parole remain in the country for at least two years after release. That period has now passed, making his return to Poland possible.
**Host:** What has been the reaction to his impending arrival in Poland?
**Dr. Nowak:** The news has generated significant controversy. You see, Waluś’s past actions continue to be deeply troubling for many.
Some are concerned about his safety upon arrival, given the nature of his crime and the strong emotions it evokes. Others are critical of the South African legal system for releasing him, arguing that his actions warrant a longer sentence. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janusz_Waluś)].
**Host:** Can you elaborate on the connections Waluś had with extremist groups?
**Dr. Nowak:** Yes, after moving to South Africa in 1981, Waluś became involved in right-wing politics. Reports indicate his associations with the Afrikaner Resistance Movement, and even after his imprisonment, a Polish organization with neo-Nazi affiliations collected funds for his legal defense. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janusz_Waluś)].
This raises concerns about potential risks associated with his return and theVigilance required from authorities to ensure public safety.
**Host:** What are your thoughts on how Poland should handle his return?
**Dr. Nowak:** This is a complex situation with no easy answers. While Waluś has served his time in South Africa, his actions left a deep scar on South Africa’s history. It’s important that Polish authorities take a proactive approach, balancing his right to return home with the need to address potential security concerns and the sensitivities surrounding his crime. Open dialog and transparency throughout this process will be crucial.
**Host:** Many thanks, Dr. Nowak, for shedding light on this complex case.
