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.
How might Janusz Waluś’s return to Poland impact the country’s understanding of its own history and its relationship with South Africa?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Dr. Anna Kowalski, a South African historian specializing in the post-apartheid period. Dr. Kowalski, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Kowalski:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Let’s talk about Janusz Waluś. He’s set to return to Poland after spending nearly three decades in a South African prison for the assassination of Chris Hani. Can you remind our viewers who Chris Hani was and why his death was such a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history?
**Dr. Kowalski:** Chris Hani was a immensely popular leader of the South African Communist Party and a key figure in the fight against apartheid. He was seen as a potential successor to Nelson Mandela and his assassination in 1993 nearly derailed South Africa’s transition to democracy. His death sparked widespread rioting and mourning, bringing the country to the brink of chaos.
**Interviewer:** Waluś has been conditionally released and will soon be returning to Poland. What are your thoughts on his release and planned return to Poland?
**Dr. Kowalski:** It’s a complex issue. While Waluś served his sentence, Hani’s assassination remains a deeply painful wound for many South Africans. Some feel justice has been served, while others believe he should never be free. His return to Poland brings up questions about accountability for crimes committed during apartheid and the legacy of that era.
**Interviewer:**
I understand that in Poland, Waluś has been seen by some as a political martyr.
**Dr. Kowalski**
There are groups in Poland who have supported Waluś, viewing him as a symbol of resistance against communism. It’s important to remember that this perspective is not shared by everyone in Poland, and many Poles condemn Waluś’s actions.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Kowalski, what do you think the future holds for Janusz Waluś in Poland?
**Dr. Kowalski:** It’s difficult to say. He will undoubtedly face scrutiny and debate about his past actions. How he chooses to address those issues and whether he expresses remorse will likely shape public perception of him.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Anna Kowalski, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
**Dr. Kowalski:** It was my pleasure. [[1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-63887332)]
