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?
How might Waluś’s return to Poland impact relations between Poland and South Africa?
## Interview with Professor Marek Kowalski, Historian specializing in South Africa
**News Anchor:** Professor Kowalski, Janusz Waluś, the Polish immigrant convicted of murdering South African communist leader Chris Hani, is reportedly set to return to Poland after nearly three decades in prison. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Professor Kowalski:** This is certainly a sensitive and complex issue. Waluś’s crime sent shockwaves through South Africa at a pivotal moment in its history. Hani was a beloved figure, and his assassination threatened to derail the country’s transition from apartheid. Waluś’s return to Poland will undoubtedly reopen old wounds and spark heated debate.
**News Anchor:** Can you elaborate on the impact of Hani’s assassination?
**Professor Kowalski:** Hani was a powerful symbol of the struggle against apartheid. He was a leading figure in the South African Communist Party and a strong advocate for a multiracial democracy. His murder instilled fear and anger, and many feared the country would descend into civil war. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, but the scars of that event remain deeply etched in South Africa’s psyche.
**News Anchor:** Knowing the deep emotions surrounding this case, what kind of reception do you anticipate for Waluś in Poland?
**Professor Kowalski:** It’s difficult to say for sure. Some may view him as a martyr, particularly far-right groups who share his extreme ideologies. Others, however, will likely remember him as a cold-blooded killer responsible for a heinous crime. . It is crucial that his return is handled responsibly, with due respect for the victims and a clear condemnation of his actions.
**News Anchor:** Are there any legal complications surrounding his return to Poland?
**Professor Kowalski:** South African law permits his departure after serving two years of conditional release. This period is now expiring. The Polish consulate in South Africa is reportedly involved in facilitating his return, but they are understandably cautious due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
**News Anchor:** Professor Kowalski, thank you for your insights on this complex and sensitive issue.
