Walus has 'apartheid-era South African citizenship'

11 March 2016 - 18:38 By TMG Digital

The Department of Home Affairs said on Friday it would "monitor developments" relating to Polish immigrant Janusz Walus‚ who was convicted for the murder of Chris Hani‚ the former general secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP).He was granted parole after almost 23 years in jail by the high court in Pretoria on Thursday‚ which is expected to take effect within a fortnight.Assassin's apology letter to Chris Hani's widow opened doors to his paroleIn response‚ African National Congress national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the ruling party "demands that Janusz Walus is immediately deported to his country of origin on his release; never to return to South Africa".Deport Hani killer Walus back to Poland: ANCBut it has now emerged that he is a South African citizen.The home affairs issued a statement‚ saying:“We wish to put it on record that Mr Walus was granted a permanent residence permit in 1981 prior to attaining citizenship through the naturalisation process in 1987 under legislation administered by the apartheid government.“In this regard‚ the Department of Home Affairs will monitor developments and will comment further at an appropriate time.”..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.