Johannesburg – An ex-MK and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member originally from Ekurhuleni has been identified by inmates as the one behind the stabbing of former SACP leader Chris Hani’s killer, Janusz Waluś.
The identity of the inmate is known to Independent Media, but it is being withheld due to ongoing investigations.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Walus was stabbed by an inmate from the same housing unit at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Tshwane. This happened ahead of his release today (Thursday).
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed that a stabbing incident involving inmate Walus took place at the facility.
"A detailed incident report is to be provided at a later stage, but what can be stated at this point is that inmate Waluś is stable and DCS healthcare officials are providing the necessary care.
"It is alleged that Walus was stabbed by another inmate from the same housing unit," DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.
Nxumalo added that stabbing and other forms of disturbance were offences not warranted in a correctional environment. The case would be investigated.
According to a source, the inmate who stabbed Waluś said he was not supposed to go out. He informed Independent Media that Walus had returned to the facility after receiving medical attention earlier in the evening.
"The stabber is not a gang member; he is an MK soldier and former SANDF member. He is serving a life imprisonment for shooting and killing one colleague and injuring another one in 2007 while at work. The inmate accused his colleagues of being racists," said the source.
The source added: "Apparently the inmate came back; he was never taken to solitary confinement. Waluś was just brought back now as we speak from the clinic."
Following the allegation, Nxumalo was contacted by Independent media. He told journalists that he was in a meeting and couldn’t take calls or respond.
South Africans took to Facebook and Twitter to express their thoughts on what could’ve happened.
Facebook user Abe Mkhize wrote: "Walus stabbed in prison. He could be silenced by those who know the truth."
Twitter user Tebza Moth wrote: "We have voted for Constitution and placed those judges to interpret it correctly, but this time they have lost it. They have missed the point for why Walus must be kept in jail until he tell the truth. Walus could have been released, on parole long time had he told us."
Meanwhile, the ANC has organised a march today (Thursday) at Burgers Park in Tshwane.
"We will be in Tshwane, protesting the release of the unrepentant murderer, Janusz Waluś, who robbed our country of one of its greatest sons. The assassination of Cde Chris Hani was tantamount to treason," said ANC provincial executive committee member Lebogang Maile on his Twitter profile.
The Star