By Nco Dube | 10 December 2024

In recent news, the deportation of Janusz Walus, the assassin of Chris Hani, has sparked significant public interest and debate. Walus had spent nearly 30 years in prison for his role in Hani’s assassination before being released on parole in December 2022. 

He was recently deported back to Poland after spending two years on parole in South Africa. This article will explore the background of Chris Hani’s assassination, the circumstances surrounding Walus’ release and deportation, the ongoing controversy regarding the truth behind the crime, and how Walus has become a controversial figure in extreme right circles.

Background on Chris Hani’s Assassination

Chris Hani was a prominent leader in the South African anti-apartheid movement. He served as the leader of the South African Communist Party and was the chief-of-staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC). Hani was a respected figure who played a critical role in the struggle against apartheid. 

His assassination on April 10, 1993, outside his home in Boksburg, Johannesburg, sent shockwaves throughout South Africa and threatened to derail the fragile negotiations for a new democratic government.

The assassination was carried out by Janusz Walus, a Polish national and right-wing extremist. He was assisted by Clive Derby-Lewis, who was considered the mastermind behind the plot. Initially sentenced to death for their crimes, both men later had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment following South Africa’s abolition of the death penalty.

Hani’s murder occurred during a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. The country was transitioning from apartheid to democracy, and Hani’s death raised fears of renewed violence and instability. His assassination galvanised anti-apartheid activists and led to widespread protests across the nation. Many viewed Hani as a unifying figure whose leadership was crucial for a peaceful transition to democracy.

The Release and Deportation of Janusz Walus

After spending nearly three decades behind bars, Janusz Walus was released on parole in December 2022. This decision followed a ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court that mandated his release within ten days. The court found that Walus had served enough time and that his continued incarceration was unjust.

However, his release sparked significant public outcry. Many South Africans were outraged at the prospect of Walus walking free after committing such a heinous crime. Protests erupted across the country, with calls for justice and accountability resonating among Hani’s supporters and anti-apartheid activists. Critics argued that Walus had never expressed genuine remorse for his actions or fully disclosed details surrounding Hani’s assassination.

On December 6, 2024, after completing his parole period, Walus was deported back to Poland. The South African government stated that he no longer held any enabling documents for residency in South Africa, which necessitated his deportation under immigration laws. This decision further fuelled public debate about justice for victims of apartheid-era violence and the complexities surrounding historical accountability.

Ongoing Controversy Surrounding Truth and Accountability

A persistent belief among many is that both Walus and Derby-Lewis never fully disclosed the truth about Hani’s assassination. Calls for further investigation into the murder have been made by various groups, including the South African Communist Party and Hani’s family. There are concerns that key details about who orchestrated the assassination may remain hidden.

The lack of transparency surrounding their motivations and connections has led to speculation about whether there were broader political implications or conspiracies involved in Hani’s murder. Some believe that understanding these dynamics is crucial for achieving justice and closure for those affected by apartheid violence.

When Walus was interviewed by Polish journalist Cezary Lazarewicz a few years ago he related to him how when he (Walus) met Chris Hani’s doctor he felt sorry for having killed her father but that he never regretted killing Hani the communist leader. Walus asserted that there was “war” in South Africa in 1993 and he felt ‘like a soldier’. He still believed in white supremacy and in racial segregation.

When his own daughter, Ewa Walus visited South africa to help negotiate for his deportation she sat for an interview. Asked during the interview if he had shown remorse for murdering Hani, she responded: “He didn’t show it to me, it doesn’t mean he does not feel it.” To the question “is he a racist?”, she responded: “I’m afraid he is.”

It is not surprising then that Janusz Walus has controversially become an iconic figure among extreme right circles in Poland. Over the years, he has garnered support from far-right groups who view him as a symbol of resistance against communism. His image has appeared on banners at far-right rallies, further solidifying his status within these groups. This transformation raises questions about how societies remember their histories and deal with figures associated with violence and oppression.

The Impact of Walus’s Deportation

The deportation of Janusz Walus highlights ongoing tensions within South Africa regarding its apartheid past. It raises important questions about justice and accountability for historical crimes committed during that era. His case serves as a reminder of how unresolved issues from apartheid continue to affect contemporary society.

The public reaction to Walus’s release and subsequent deportation underscores deep-seated feelings about justice in South Africa. Many citizens feel that individuals responsible for political violence during apartheid should be held accountable for their actions. The perception that Walus may have escaped full accountability adds to frustrations surrounding historical injustices.

Additionally, this case has political implications as well. It serves as a reminder of how unresolved issues from apartheid continue to affect contemporary society. Political leaders are urged to address these lingering injustices to foster healing and reconciliation within communities still grappling with the legacy of apartheid.

Walus’s deportation has also drawn international attention to South Africa’s handling of historical crimes. It underscores the complexities involved in dealing with figures associated with violence during apartheid while attempting to build a new democratic society.

Conclusion

The deportation of Janusz Walus marks a significant moment in South Africa’s ongoing struggle to confront its past. As an assassin of a key anti-apartheid leader, his actions resonate deeply within the nation’s collective memory. The persistent belief that he and Clive Derby-Lewis have not fully disclosed the truth surrounding Chris Hani’s assassination continues to fuel calls for justice.

Moreover, Walus’ transformation into a significant figure among extreme right circles in Poland raises important questions about how societies remember their histories and deal with figures associated with violence and oppression. As South Africa navigates its path towards healing and reconciliation, it must grapple with these complex legacies while ensuring that justice is served for all its citizens.

As we reflect on this topic today, it is crucial to acknowledge both the historical significance of Chris Hani’s life and legacy as well as the ongoing challenges faced by those seeking truth and accountability in post-apartheid South Africa. The story of Janusz Walus serves as a reminder that history is not merely a series of events but an ongoing narrative that shapes our present and future.

In conclusion, addressing these issues requires open dialogue among all stakeholders—government officials, civil society organisations, families affected by violence, and ordinary citizens working together towards understanding and reconciliation while ensuring that justice prevails for those who fought against oppression during one of South Africa’s darkest chapters.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)