Walus parole ball now in Lamola’s court
The high court in Pretoria ruled on Thursday that the murderer of South African Communist Party (SACP) leader Chris Hani will have to wait another 60 days for a decision on the granting of parole.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola will have to spend this time deciding whether or not to undo former justice minister Michael Masutha's previous decision to refuse Janusz Walus' parole.
Judge Jody Kollapen reviewed and set aside Masutha’s refusal to grant Walus parole in January this year.
The judge found that the psychologist and experts were mostly in agreement that Walus has shown remorse for the 1993 killing of Hani.
The experts also found that his risk of reoffending is low.
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Kollapen passed this judgment in an application by Walus to review Masutha's decision.
Justice ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says the minister is yet to decide on a way forward.
"The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services has noted the decision handed down by the North Gauteng High Court of South Africa in the Janusz Walus matter," says Phiri.
"The minister will acquaint himself with judgment in order to determine how he will proceed further in the matter."