SACP criticizes government’s handling of Janusz Walus’s deportation

SACP criticizes government’s handling of Janusz Walus’s deportation! The South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed its dissatisfaction with how the deportation of convicted murderer Janusz Walus, who assassinated anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani in 1993, was managed.

Walus, a Polish national, was deported on Friday after completing nearly three decades in prison and a subsequent two-year parole period.

Late Notification Sparks Outrage

The SACP criticized the Department of Correctional Services for notifying them of Walus’s deportation plans at the last minute. According to the party, the government only arranged a meeting with the SACP leadership and Chris Hani’s widow, Limpho Hani, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, just hours before Walus’s deportation was finalized.

The party voiced its frustration over the eleventh-hour communication, accusing the authorities of sidelining them during the decision-making process.

“We find it unacceptable that we were informed of such a significant development at the last minute when the deportation plans had already been finalized,” the SACP stated.

Concerns About Transparency

The SACP emphasized that it was not only disappointed by the timing but also by the lack of transparency in the deportation process. The party believes that the decision to deport Walus should have involved broader consultations, particularly with those directly impacted by Chris Hani’s assassination.

Chris Hani was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and the SACP’s general secretary at the time of his assassination. His murder by Walus in 1993, just a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections, sent shockwaves across the nation and nearly derailed the country’s transition to democracy.

Limpho Hani, who has consistently called for Walus to remain in prison, joined the SACP in condemning the lack of consultation.

Government’s Response

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, part of the government delegation that informed the SACP and Limpho Hani, has been urged to address their grievances. The SACP has requested a detailed explanation regarding why the deportation process was carried out without sufficient communication and why the notification came so late.

The Department of Correctional Services defended its actions, stating that Walus’s deportation was in line with legal requirements. Walus, who was paroled in November 2022 after a Constitutional Court ruling, had been serving his parole under strict conditions, including constant monitoring.

Upon the expiration of his parole, deportation became a standard procedure for a foreign national who had completed a sentence in South Africa.

Lingering Pain for Chris Hani’s Family

For Chris Hani’s family and the SACP, Walus’s release and subsequent deportation have reopened old wounds. Hani’s widow, Limpho Hani, has been vocal about her opposition to Walus’s parole, describing it as a betrayal of justice and the memory of her husband.

The SACP echoed her sentiments, stating that Walus’s parole and deportation have failed to adequately address the profound harm caused by Hani’s assassination.

Public and Political Reactions

The deportation has sparked mixed reactions across South Africa. While some view it as a routine administrative process, others see it as a moment to reflect on the legacy of apartheid-era crimes and the need for justice and accountability.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other political groups have criticized the government for allowing Walus to leave the country, arguing that his deportation prevents further accountability for his actions.

Moving Forward

The SACP has called on the government to ensure that future decisions involving individuals implicated in politically motivated crimes are handled with greater transparency and consultation. The party insists that the memory of Chris Hani and the principles he stood for must remain central to such decisions.

“Chris Hani’s legacy is not just a matter of history; it is a guiding light for South Africa’s ongoing struggle for justice, equality, and freedom,” the SACP stated.

The SACP has also indicated that it will continue to press the government for a more comprehensive response to their concerns about Walus’s parole, deportation, and the lack of communication in such critical matters.