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 role does the Polish government have in addressing the concerns and anxieties surrounding Waluś’s return, particularly from the South Africa community?
## Interview with Historian Dr. Anna Nowak on Janusz Waluś’ Impending Return to Poland
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Nowak. We have some breaking news regarding Janusz Waluś, the Pole who assassinated South African Communist Party leader Chris Hani in 1993. He’s set to return to Poland in the coming weeks after serving nearly three decades in prison. Can you shed some light on this complex situation?
**Dr. Nowak:** Certainly. This is a highly sensitive matter with deep historical and political implications for both South Africa and Poland.
Waluś, originally from Zakopane, Poland, emigrated to South Africa in the 1980s and became a citizen. He was convicted of murdering Chris Hani, a pivotal figure in the fight against apartheid. This act sparked immense outrage in South Africa, almost leading to a civil war, and cemented Waluś’s notoriety as a symbol of racism and terrorism. [[Extra Information is Needed]]
**Host:** That’s right, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Why is he being released now, and why is he coming back to Poland?
**Dr. Nowak:** Waluś was granted conditional release by a South African court in November 2022 after serving 29 years. South African law allows for his return to Poland after a two-year period, which is now expiring. The Polish consulate in Pretoria has confirmed his impending return but declined to give further details citing security concerns.
**Host:** What are the reactions in South Africa and Poland to his release and return?
**Dr. Nowak:** Naturally, there are mixed reactions. In South Africa, many still see Waluś as a dangerous figure and believe he should remain imprisoned. His return to Poland is seen by some as a snub to South Africans who suffered greatly under apartheid.
In Poland, the situation is complex. While some view the return as a homecoming, others condemn Waluś’s actions and express concern about the potential for social divisions his presence might cause.
**Host:** What are the wider implications of this event for South Africa’s reconciliation process and for Polish society’s reckoning with its past?
**Dr. Nowak:** This case is a stark reminder of the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. For South Africa, it reopens old wounds and raises questions about justice and forgiveness. For Poland, it forces a confrontation with its own history of political extremism and the presence of xenophobic ideologies within its borders.
It will be important for both countries to engage in open and honest dialogues, acknowledging the pain and complexities surrounding Waluś’s actions and the historical context. Only then can true reconciliation and healing begin.
**Host:** Dr. Nowak, thank you for your insightful analysis.
