Janusz Walus denied parole

© lkeskinen – 123RF.com

Walus was sentenced to life imprisonment for assassinating the then South African Communist Party (SACP) Secretary-General Chris Hani outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, on 10 April 1993.

Addressing the media in Pretoria, Minister Masutha said he has ordered for a further profile of Walus to be submitted.

The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria had initially set the Minister’s decision aside and ordered Walus to be placed on parole.

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) then upheld the Minister’s appeal against that judgment with an order remitting the matter to the Minister for reconsideration and a decision within 90 days.

“This matter has attracted publicity here and abroad because of the grave impact caused by the crime he committed which is well documented. It is for this reason that we elected to communicate my decision on this platform.

“I have now considered the offender’s application. In making my decision, I took into account the SCA judgment in so far as it related to representations made by Mrs Hani, Mr Walus and recommendations made by the Parole Board,” Minister Masutha said, adding that South Africa is a constitutional democracy which is governed by the rule of law.

In reaching his decision, Minister Masutha said he has taken into account the relevant laws and prescripts that regulate parole processes, in particular, the provisions of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998.

“Regarding empathy, it can be said that he [Walus] expressed remorse for the fact that the victims’ children are fatherless and the wife is a widow. However, he showed no remorse for murdering Chris Hani the communist leader.

“He still rationalises his actions and insists that they were politically motivated. His ideas about communism still stand,” the Minister said.

According to Minister Masutha, in April 1993, Walus received a list from Clive Derby Lewis containing the names and addresses of politicians and journalists. Chris Hani’s name was third on the list.

Walus applied for parole in 2013 but Minister Masutha turned down his application in April 2015.

Walus then launched a review application in the North Gauteng High Court, which ultimately set aside the Minister's decision and order that he must be released within 14 days.

Minister Masutha applied for leave to appeal, which was dismissed. The Minister then applied to the Supreme Court of Appeal for leave to appeal against the ruling.