Panafrican News Agency

Man who killed South African politician Chris Hani denies Polish right-wing plot

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The man responsible for nearly sparking a full-blown race war ahead of South Africa’s historic first democratic elections in 1994 by killing a high profile politician has denied allegations that he is campaigning with right-wingers to cause further instability.

Janusz Walus, who killed former Communist Party leader Chris Hani on 10 April, 1993 is accused of communicating with right-wingers in Poland who have allegedly offered to support him if he is released from prison in Pretoria.

Walus, who was born in Poland, received a life-term for pulling the trigger. He was refused parole for the third time on 7 October despite his lawyer's claim that he has been completely rehabilitated.

Following his arrest, police found a hit-list that included the names of liberation heroes Nelson Mandela and Joe Slovo. Following violent demonstrations over Hani’s assassination, Mandela swept into power on a ticket of racial reconciliation.

The Communist Party of Poland last week sent a statement to the South African Communist Party (SACP) claiming right-wingers in Poland were organising other extremists to attack SACP members in South Africa who are resisting Walus's parole bid.

Walus's lawyer, Julian Knight, said the allegations are “utter rubbish” and his client who has been in prison for 27 years has no contact with the outside world.

On 12 December, the High Court in Pretoria again considered Walus’ application to be released on parole but sent the matter back to Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, ordering him to make a decision within 60 days.

–0– PANA CU/MA 23Dec2019