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 public opinion in Poland be divided regarding the return of Janusz Waluś, and what factors might influence these viewpoints?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Anna Nowak, a historian specializing in South African history and the impact of apartheid. Dr. Nowak, Janusz Waluś, a Polish immigrant who assassinated Chris Hani, seems to be returning to Poland. Can you shed some light on how significant this event is, particularly regarding its historical context?
**Dr. Nowak:** It’s impossible to overstate the significance of this event, both for South Africa and Poland. Hani was a leader of great stature in the struggle against apartheid, a symbol of hope for a democratic future. Waluś’’s assassination nearly plunged South Africa into civil war. It was a deeply traumatic event. While Waluś was released on parole in South Africa in 2022, his return to Poland after being convicted there reopens old wounds and forces South Africans to confront a painful chapter in their history.
**Interviewer:** The Polish Consulate in South Africa has stated they can’t provide much information about his return due to safety concerns. What are some of the potential security risks associated with his arrival in Poland?
**Dr. Nowak:** Given Waluś’s notoriety and the absence of remorse he expressed for his actions, it’s understandable that there are concerns about his safety. There might be individuals or groups who view him as a martyr or hero, potentially putting him at risk.
Moreover, his arrival could spark protests and public tensions, particularly from South African expatriates residing in Poland, who are still deeply affected by Hani’s assassination. Any mishandling of his return could have serious diplomatic repercussions for Poland’s relationship with South Africa.
**Interviewer: ** What are some potential viewpoints we might see emerge in Poland regarding Waluś’s return?
**Dr. Nowak:** This is complex. Some in Poland might view Waluś as a victim of circumstance, emphasizing his Polish heritage and arguing he has served his time. Others will condemn his actions, see him as a symbol of extremism, and question why Poland would welcome someone with such a violent past. Public opinion could be divided along political lines, with some expressing sympathy for Waluś while others vehemently oppose his presence in Poland.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Nowak, thank you for your insights. This is certainly a situation that demands careful consideration and will likely generate considerable discussion in both Poland and South Africa.