It’s not often the pleas of South Africans are heard. When we got wind that the second killer of Chris Hani was set to be released from jail, South Africans were angry that such a thing could happen. That was back in March and he had two weeks left to serve time.

Now, with much jubilation, it has been announced that the Polish immigrant has lost his application for his immediate release on parole. Janusz Walus assassinated SACP leader Chris Hani 23 years ago.

Judge Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed Walus’ application for his immediate release while appeal proceedings against a March 10 ruling that he must be released on parole within 14 days was pending.

While he had maintained that he was set for release eight years ago due to various aspects counting in his favour, it was apparent that a torrent of political comment and pressure was being exerted to keep him incarcerated for as long as possible.

Advocate Gcina Malindi SC submitted on behalf of the SACP and the Hani family that Hani’s murder remained an exceptional crime because it was an assassination of a prominent leader that was committed on the eve of our democracy and could have resulted in civil war.

He argued that Walus’ remorse was not sincere and that his release would undermine nation building and reconciliation.

He argued that Walus had no chance or rehabilitation because of his hatred for communism and communist leaders have not changed.

While the judge dismissed any political pressure, she noted that his remaining in jail would be according to the Constitution.

[source: news24]