Janusz Walus, convicted of murdering anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani, will be deported to Poland after spending nearly 30 years in South African prison. His release last year sparked significant protests due to ongoing racial tensions. While Walus prepares for departure, government officials and Hani’s family express anguish over the loss and the lack of full accountability for his actions.
The South African government has confirmed the imminent deportation of Janusz Walus, a notorious far-right extremist who was convicted of the 1993 assassination of Chris Hani, an esteemed anti-apartheid leader. Walus, 71, is set to leave South Africa on Friday, with the Polish government covering the deportation expenses. He was released on parole in 2022 after spending nearly 30 years in prison, a decision that ignited widespread protests in a nation still wrestling with the repercussions of apartheid and racism.
Chris Hani was a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC) and a leader in the struggle against racial oppression in South Africa. His assassination at a pivotal moment in the country’s transition to democracy raised fears of widespread racial conflict. Walus, originally from Poland, was motivated by extremist beliefs and aimed to destabilize the country to facilitate a right-wing takeover. His acts and ideologies have made him a celebrated figure amongst certain far-right groups in Poland, complicating the narrative of his deportation.
The deportation of Janusz Walus underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the legacy of apartheid in South Africa and the enduring impact of his crime against a national hero. As the ANC and Hani’s family express their pain regarding his release and subsequent deportation, calls for further inquiry into the circumstances of Hani’s assassination persist. This incident reflects the complexities of South Africa’s recovery from its tumultuous past and the need for justice and healing.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
