Friday 18 August 2017 14:25
Thabiso Radebe
Janusz Walus had the decision to grant him parole set aside by the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. (SABC)
Janusz Walus, who killed South African Communist Party (SACP) leader Chris Hani in 1993, will remain behind bars after the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein set aside a High Court judgment ordering his release on parole.
Walus and the late Clive Derby-Lewis were jailed for Hani's murder.
The SCA has upheld Justice Minister Michael Masutha's appeal after the High Court in Pretoria earlier set aside his decision not to grant Walus parole.
Justice Zwelibanzi Shongwe handed down the judgement and said, "The order reads as follows: The appeal is upheld with order as the costs.
Two, the matter remitted to the appellant for his reconsideration and decision within 90 calendar days of the order. This order I hand down."
The office of Justice Minister Michael Masutha says the Supreme Court of Appeal's decision is an important decision for the Chris Hani' family.
Justice Department Spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says, "The minister welcomes the judgement and within 90 days we will reconsider and make a decision based on all facts that need to be considered but indeed the decision has been welcomed and its reaffirmation for our view that Mrs Hani is very pertinent and important."
The SACP has welcomed the judgment.
SACP national organiser Mhlekwa Nxumalo says Walus has not shown any remorse.
"Everytime, when we see him one thing that we always realise is that he has not changed, despite all the years he has been in prison. We are quite happy about the decision that has been taken by the Supreme Court."