“Mr Walus must be released in 10 days”
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The Constitutional Court has ordered the Correctional Service and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola to release Janusz Walus on parole within 10 days.
Walus, who is a Polish native, has been in jail since 1993 for the murder of struggle hero and South African Communist Party (SACP) leader Chris Hani in 1993.
The murder of Hani at Walus’ hands saw the country burning down in flames out of anger for the murder of one of the most powerful leaders who was openly against downing of arms and suspension of military arm-wing Umkhonto weSizwe.
Hani’s party SACP and wife have openly come out in public speaking against his release saying he hasn’t shown any remorse and does not deserve any sympathy. They say he is yet to fully disclose why he killed Hani and who else was involved in the hit being ordered.
Handing down the judgement in the Constitutional Court yesterday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said that the decision by Minister Lamola to not grant Walus parole in 2020 was irrational and he should’ve been granted parole at the time.
“The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services is ordered to place the applicant [Janusz Walus] on parole on suchterms and conditions as he may deem appropriate, and to take all such steps as may need to be taken to ensure that the applicant is released on parole within 10 calendar days from the date of this order” said Chief Zondo.
