“I Would Do It All Over Again,” Declares Assassin of South African Anti-Apartheid Leader Hani

In a chilling revelation that echoes the unresolved wounds of South Africa’s tumultuous past, Janusz Walus, the man who murdered anti-apartheid icon Chris Hani, has made it abundantly clear that he feels no remorse for his heinous act. In a recent interview with eNCA, conducted by Annika Larsen, Walus spoke with a disconcerting smugness about his intention to obliterate Hani’s life—a move he believed would send shockwaves through the intricate negotiations aimed at forging a democratic South Africa.

Imagine a world where one bullet could ripple across a nation, altering the very fabric of its future. That was the twisted logic behind Walus’s actions. He attributed the fatal idea to Clive Derby-Lewis, a founding member of the Conservative Party and a fellow conspirator whose influence loomed large over Walus’s decision. Derby-Lewis didn’t just lend his ideological support; he also handed over the firearm that became the instrument of Hani’s death. While Walus squeezed the trigger, Derby-Lewis orchestrated the malevolent symphony that would crescendo in bloodshed. Both men faced justice for their roles in this tragic chapter of history, though Derby-Lewis, who passed away in 2016, took some of the secrets of that dark day with him.

It was a fateful day in April 1993, when the vibrant voice of South Africa’s burgeoning democracy was silenced. Hani, just 50 years old and a commander of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (the armed wing of the African National Congress), was returning home after a long day. As he stepped out of his car, he was met with gunfire—four bullets that would not only end his life but also send the country into an unprecedented upheaval. Can one man’s ideology justify such an act? Walus certainly seems to think so, and his chilling lack of remorse serves as a stark reminder of the deep veins of hatred that continue to pulse beneath the surface of South African society.

For many, Hani wasn’t just a political figure; he was a beacon of hope. His assassination thrust the nation into chaos, igniting a firestorm of protests, mourning, and unprecedented security concerns. Hani’s death came at a time when the nation was on the brink of significant change, making the act all the more horrific. One must wonder: could this tragedy have been averted? Was there a way to address the fears and tensions of a nation grappling with its identity without resorting to violence?

The reverberations of that awful day are still felt decades later, a haunting whisper of what could have been. Hani’s leadership fueled the anti-apartheid movement, and his sudden void left many questioning the viability of peace in a deeply divided country. His funeral became a massive political event, drawing thousands who sought to pay tribute to a man who fought valiantly for equality and justice. It was a moment that showcased the nation’s intricate tapestry of grief—black and white, young and old—united in their loss.

As the world watches the remnants of apartheid fade into history, Walus’s candid confessions present a visceral reminder that unresolved pains linger on. His defiance in the face of the destruction he wrought leaves many grappling with disillusionment. What does it say about us when one man can believe so resolutely in a path of violence? Does this not challenge our understanding of redemption and reconciliation?

South Africa has worked tirelessly to confront its past, striving for inclusivity and forgiveness even amidst lingering tensions. While the nation has made great strides, voices like Walus’s remind us that shadows still loom large. How do we reconcile the ideals of democracy with the reality of individuals who harbor resentment and desire to disrupt peace? Perhaps it’s in the conversations we have, the stories we tell, and the light we shine on dark moments that we begin to heal.

As the world grapples with its own difficulties, the narrative of Chris Hani remains vital—a symbol of the ongoing struggle against hatred and violence. It compels us to ask tough questions about forgiveness and societal healing. In a world so quick to judge, perhaps the most significant aspect of human nature is our ability to thrive through empathy and understanding. After all, isn’t the ultimate goal of any society to foster growth, learning, and connection in the face of adversity?

So here we are, witnessing the fallout of history in real time, through the dispassionate voice of a man who remains unapologetic. Walus’s beliefs echo the divisive ideologies that once tore a nation asunder, and it challenges us to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. As we navigate our own lives, may we strive to ensure that stories like Hani’s inspire a commitment to justice and compassion rather than hate and division. It’s a responsibility we all share in this ever-evolving journey of humanity.

Report By Axadle

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring