Pretoria, South Africa – Janusz Waluś, deported to Poland last year after serving a life sentence for the 1993 assassination of Chris Hani, has sparked renewed outrage in South Africa with his recent comments to eNCA. In a shocking interview, Waluś not only showed no remorse for his crime but declared he would kill Hani again if given the chance.
“It was a just war,” Walus stated, echoing the apartheid-era rhetoric that justified violence against anti-apartheid activists. “Chris Hani was a communist. He was a threat to our way of life.” This chilling statement has reignited the debate surrounding his release and deportation, with many questioning the justice system’s ability to address the deep wounds of the past.
Hani’s widow, Limpho Hani, expressed her profound disappointment and anger at Walus’s unrepentant attitude in an interview with Newzroom Afrika. “This man continues to show no remorse for the pain he has caused,” she said. “His words are a slap in the face to all those who fought for freedom and democracy in South Africa.”
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba is among the South African figures who have strongly condemed Waluś unrepentant remarks, describing them as callous provocation. Mashaba expressed his outrage, stating, “Why this government gave this callous, unrepentant, racist, and remorseless murderer of our leader parole is unforgivable.”
He went on to say, “Watching this last night invoked a deep sense of anger and bitterness. To those who say we must just move on and not look back, you are equally as guilty as Janusz, the murderer. Looking back helps us find harmony in the future.”
Waluś’ unapologetic stance has reignited calls for a review of parole laws and a re-evaluation of how South Africa deals with perpetrators of apartheid-era crimes. Many argue that genuine reconciliation cannot be achieved without acknowledging the atrocities of the past and holding those responsible accountable.
