Chris Hani's family frowns upon ANC govt for releasing his killer, Janus Walusz
Hani, who held a dual membership between the ANC and SACP, was assassinated 32 years ago outside his Boksburg home by Janus Walusz.
FILE: Janusz Walusz, who was charged with the 10 April 1993 killing of South African Communist Party Secretary-General Chris Hani, poses 23 June during a Truth and Reconcilliation Commission hearing concerning their amnesty in Benoni, east of Johannesburg. Picture: WALTER DHLADHLA / AF
JOHANNESBURG - The family of the late struggle stalwart Chris Hani says it’s a shame his killer was released by a government controlled by the African National Congress (ANC), a party he sacrificed his life for.
Thursday marks exactly 32 years since the former South African Communist Party (SACP) leader was assassinated.
The SACP and government held a commemoration event at Hani’s hometown of Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape.
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The family of Hani says he grew up as a respectful, village boy whose grandparents raised him to become a pastor and not a politician.
Hani, who held a dual membership between the ANC and SACP, was assassinated 32 years ago outside his Boksburg home by Janus Walusz.
Walus served 29 years in prison for Hani’s death before being released on parole last year, and deported back to his home country of Poland.
Hani’s daughter, Lindiwe Hani, says the family still wants an inquest into his death
“It is unfortunate that under the same party he died for is the reason that his murderer went home. And as much as that won't bring daddy back, it will be such a soothing balm for us to know what happened and who was involved.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says work is underway to open the inquest.