Janusz Walus, a far-right extremist who murdered South African anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani, is set to be deported to Poland after nearly 30 years in prison. His release sparked significant protests and controversy in South Africa, where he is seen as a symbol of apartheid’s legacy. Hani’s family and the ANC have condemned the government’s handling of Walus’s deportation and called for further inquiries into Hani’s assassination.
The South African government has announced the imminent deportation of Janusz Walus, a far-right extremist and convicted murderer of anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani. Walus, who was sentenced for Hani’s assassination in 1993 during a critical period in South Africa’s transition to democracy, has spent nearly 30 years in prison. Following his release on parole in 2022, widespread protests erupted due to the sensitivity surrounding apartheid’s legacy. As per the government’s statement, Walus will leave South Africa for Poland this Friday, with the Polish government bearing the costs of the deportation. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber described the event as a painful reminder of apartheid’s dark days. Hani’s widow, Limpho, expressed her distress over being informed of Walus’ impending departure only on short notice, highlighting a lack of communication from the government and the South African Communist Party. The African National Congress (ANC) lamented the painful memory of Hani’s assassination and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder. Walus, who relocated from Poland to South Africa in 1981, has not shown remorse for his actions, and his case remains a contentious chapter in South Africa’s history.
Janusz Walus is a far-right extremist recognized for the assassination of Chris Hani, a prominent leader in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Hani’s murder in 1993 occurred during a critical time when the nation was gearing up for its first multiracial elections, creating fears of escalating racial tensions. After spending almost three decades in prison, Walus was released on parole in 2022, igniting protests due to the ongoing struggle against racial injustice in the country. The planned deportation to his native Poland has rekindled memories of apartheid and raised questions about justice and accountability surrounding Hani’s assassination.
The deportation of Janusz Walus to Poland highlights the lingering wounds of South Africa’s apartheid history and the continued struggle against racism. As a controversial figure, Walus remains unrepentant for surgically altering the course of South Africa’s democracy through violence. The ANC and Hani’s family have called for a thorough investigation into Hani’s murder, signaling an ongoing demand for justice and understanding of the past as the nation strives for reconciliation.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
