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 possible threats posed by Janusz Waluś’ return to Poland?
## Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova on Janusz Waluś’ Impending Return to Poland
**Host**: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us today to discuss the controversial case of Janusz Waluś. As our viewers likely know, he’s the Polish national who assassinated Chris Hani, a prominent anti-apartheid leader in South Africa, back in 1993. After serving nearly 30 years in prison, he’s now set to be deported to Poland. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr. Petrova**: Certainly. Janusz Waluś’ case is complex and deeply unsettling. His crime sent shockwaves through South Africa, and his imminent return to Poland has stirred significant debate and concern. While he was granted conditional release in 2022, South African law restricts his departure until two years after that release. Now, that period is ending, paving the way for his return to his country of birth.
**Host**: You mentioned concerns. What are the primary issues being raised about his return?
**Dr. Petrova**: Well, there are multiple layers to this. Firstly, there’s the deep trauma his action inflicted on South Africa. He assassinated a beloved figure who was instrumental in the fight against apartheid, a period marked by brutal racial segregation. Many South Africans struggle to comprehend how someone convicted of such a heinous crime can be allowed to simply leave after serving his sentence.
**Host**: There’s also been talk about Waluś’s ties to extreme right-wing groups?
**Dr. Petrova**: Yes, that’s another crucial aspect. Waluś has been linked to far-right organizations, and reports suggest that even while imprisoned, he received financial support from groups with extremist ideologies. This raises serious concerns about his potential influence upon his return to Poland and whether he poses a threat to social cohesion.
**Host**: And what about the Polish government’s stance on this?
** Dr. Petrova**: The Polish government has been relatively tight-lipped, citing security concerns and legal procedures. However, their response underscores the complexities of this situation. On one hand, they have an obligation to accept their citizen back, but on the other, they also need to consider the potential impact his presence might have on societal harmony and safety.
**Host**: This is a truly intriguing case. It raises profound questions about justice, reconciliation, and the legacies of historical conflict. Dr. Petrova, thank you for providing your valuable insights on this complex and sensitive matter.
**Dr. Petrova**: My pleasure. I believe it’s important to have open and honest conversations about these issues to learn from the past and build a more just and equitable future.
