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 are the challenges faced by both South Africa and Poland in addressing the complex legacy of Waluś’s crime?
## Janusz Waluś Returning to Poland After 29 Years: An Interview
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Katarzyna Nowak, a historian specializing in South African history and the post-apartheid era. Dr. Nowak, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Nowak:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s talk about Janusz Waluś, who recently made headlines with his upcoming return to Poland. He was convicted for the murder of South African Communist Party leader Chris Hani, a politically charged crime that nearly ignited a civil war. Could you elaborate on the impact of this event on South Africa at the time?
**Dr. Nowak:** The murder of Chris Hani in 1993 was utterly devastating. It came at a fragile moment in South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. Hani was a beloved figure, a symbol of the struggle against inequality and oppression. Waluś’s actions, motivated by racist ideology, pushed the country to the brink of chaos.
**Host:** It’s reported that Waluś received conditional release after serving 29 years of a life sentence. This sparked debate, with some arguing he shouldn’t be allowed to leave South Africa. What are the implications of his deportation to Poland?
**Dr. Nowak:** His return raises complex questions. While Waluś served his prison sentence, the scars of his crime run deep in South Africa. Some may feel justice has not been fully served, particularly considering his lack of remorse and ties to extremist groups. For Poland, it presents a challenge: how to integrate a figure carrying such a dark past?
**Host:** You mentioned Waluś’s lack of remorse. Is there any indication he has changed or expressed regret for his actions since his imprisonment?
**Dr. Nowak:** Waluś has acknowledged committing a “grave sin,” but he hasn’t truly expressed remorse for the suffering he caused. This lack of empathy further fuels the controversy surrounding his release and deportation.
**Host:** What message does this situation send to South Africa and the wider world about justice, rehabilitation and the lasting impact of apartheid?
**Dr. Nowak:** This case underscores the long-lasting wounds of apartheid and the difficulty of reconciliation. It compels us to confront the complexities of forgiveness, the ongoing struggle against racism and extremism, and the responsibility to ensure such atrocities never happen again.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Nowak, for your insightful analysis of this sensitive and complicated issue.
**Dr. Nowak:** My pleasure.
—
