Parole revocation unlikely for Chris Hani’s killer despite controversial remarks, says committee

Chris Hani’s killer is unlikely to be returned to South Africa and re-arrested over statements made after his release on parole.

This was established following a Portfolio Committee on Correctional Service briefing where members highlighted their concerns on the process leading to the cancellation or revocation of parole for inmates serving life sentences

The matter of Janusz Walus's parole was highlighted, and comments he made during a media interview.

Walus was convicted of Hani's murder and was sentenced to death in October 1993. In 2000, however, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment

He was officially released on parole following a hospital stay in December 2022 and his parole effectively ended in November 2024.

He was deported to Poland one month later.

However, committee members raised concerns regarding Walus's account of events and expressed sentiment that he might repeat his actions if given the opportunity.

According to a statement by the committee's acting chairperson, Janho Engelbrecht, members further asked if it were possible to have Walus brought back to South Africa and re-arrested for what he said.

"Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald told the committee that Walus’s sentence falls within the terms of the Van Vuren Constitutional Court judgement, which referred to those sentenced to life before March 1, 1994.

"The judgment confirmed that a life sentence meant serving at least 10 years of a sentence or 15 years in the case of serious circumstances. Thereafter, these inmates are placed on parole for three years.

"Over 360 lifers benefited from the Van Vuren judgement, including Walus," Engelbrecht explained.

He added that Walus murdered Hani in 1993, served his sentence, and his three-year parole period before he was deported.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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