Janusz Walus parole: DA to submit questions to determine whether due process was followed

10 March 2016

Release: immediate

The DA notes that Chris Hani’s convicted assassin has succeeded in his application for parole. The DA, as the party committed to the Rule of Law and due process, will be submitting parliamentary questions to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mike Masutha, seeking legal clarity that all processes and protocols were observed by the North Gauteng High Court and the Parole Board in coming to this determination.

This follows the announcement this morning that one of the functionaries of Apartheid, Mr Walus, received parole after serving almost 23 years in jail for the murder of Chris Hani. This was granted by the North Gauteng High Court.

The DA maintains that the Apartheid system and his conduct spurred on a series of violent acts by functionaries that represent the worst in our society and that these actions are to be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Millions of South Africans suffered under the Apartheid system and are still healing the wounds today.

While his actions were reprehensible and represent the worst in society; South Africa has since become a constitutional democracy and to this end the DA has consistently taken the view that prisoners can and should be released on parole, but only after the correct procedures have been followed. In the case of ‘lifers’ this involves recommendations from the Correctional Supervision Parole Board, the National Council for Correctional Services and a decision by the Minister and in this case the Judiciary. Part of this process involves consulting the victims of the crime or their families.

This process needs to be followed without fear or favour for any and all applicants.

Parole is privilege, and those to whom it is granted must only receive it if all legal conditions are met. We will be seeking assurance from Minister Masutha to satisfy ourselves that all processes were properly followed.

Statement issued by James Selfe MP, DA Shadow Minister of Correctional Services, 10 March 2016