Sacp In The Wc Condemns Janusz Walus Deportation

The South African Communist Party SACP in the Western Cape has strongly condemned the deportation of Polish immigrant Janusz Walus, who was paroled in 2022 after serving time for the assassination of Chris Hani, the General Secretary of the SACP, 31 years ago. Walus was responsible for Hani's assassination in 1993, a crime that shocked South Africa and escalated tensions during the country's transition from apartheid.

At the Provincial SACP Council meeting, Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu reiterated the party's stance against Walus's parole, which was granted in 2022. Ngqentsu criticized the decision to deport Walus, stating that it underscored a troubling rightward shift within the South African government. He suggested that the government's actions were ideologically influenced by a right-wing agenda, particularly in the context of Poland, where Walus is likely to receive a hero's welcome upon his return.

Ngqentsu added, "The processes leading up to his deportation confirm the rightward shift in this government," and linked Waluss return to Poland with the right-wing political climate in that country, expressing concern over the potential glorification of Walus there. The SACP has expressed its intention to continue engaging with the South African government to push for Waluss repatriation so he can face a further inquest in South Africa.

This sentiment was echoed by Cosatu the Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Western Cape, an alliance partner of the SACP, which also called for Walus to be repatriated. Both organizations argue that Walus should face justice in South Africa, rather than being allowed to return to Poland without further legal accountability.

The SACP's condemnation comes as it prepares for its Fifth Special Congress next week, where provincial delegates will gather to solidify the party's position on a variety of issues, including this one. The deportation of Walus has sparked significant political debate, drawing attention to questions of justice, historical accountability, and the ideological leanings of the current South African government.