In a shocking development that has reignited debates about justice and accountability in South Africa, Janusz Wouh, the convicted assassin of anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani, has been released and repatriated to Poland after completing a two-year parole. This controversial decision has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting urgent calls for answers from Hani’s family and the South African public.
Wouh, who was sentenced to death for the assassination of Hani in 1993, had his sentence commuted after the abolition of the death penalty in the country. Following 28 years in prison, he was granted parole in December 2022 by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that the state’s previous denial of his parole was irrational. His release has been met with fierce criticism, with many arguing it undermines the gravity of his crime and its enduring impact on South Africa’s socio-political landscape.
As Wouh departed from South Africa, he was whisked away from the media’s view by a contingent of armed security, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his release. South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni indicated that the government did not support Wouh’s departure, highlighting a lack of transparency and closure for Hani’s family, especially for his widow, Limpho Hani. She has expressed deep frustration over the unresolved questions surrounding her husband’s murder and the broader implications for South Africa’s reconciliation process.
The backlash from political organizations and citizens alike reflects the profound emotional scars left by Hani’s assassination, which some view as a betrayal of the fight against apartheid. This incident not only underscores the challenges of balancing restorative justice with accountability but also raises critical questions about whether South Africa has fully addressed the legacy of apartheid and the ideals of justice, equality, and unity that Chris Hani championed. As the nation grapples with these complexities, the call for answers and a more transparent handling of such politically charged cases continues to resonate.