Chris Hani gravesite vandalised

JOHANNESBURG. – The in Gauteng ANC says it is saddened Chris Hani’s gravesite, memorial and Walk of Remembrance in Ekurhuleni have been vandalised.

On Monday, the party said the vandalism at the Thomas Nkobi cemetery in Boksburg happened during a difficult moment in South Africa’s history, following a ruling of the Constitutional Court which ordered the release of his killer, Janusz Walus.

The ruling inspired the “collective rage” among South Africans who disagreed with it, said spokesperson Lesego ANC Makhubela.

Makhubela added it would encourage further racial divisions and embolden those who regarded Walus as a hero.

In a joint statement, the national ANC, Cosatu, and SACP, of which Hani was a leader, said the vandalism of Hani’s grave was like a continuation of his assassination from the grave.

They added the ruling had once again divided South Africa the same way when he was assassinated in April 1993.

The judgment pleased unrepentant apartheid perpetrators, who celebrated, while Hani’s family, and other victims of apartheid were hurt and deeply disappointed. This is how South Africa has now become redivided. In this context, the attack on the memorial site occurred, posing a threat to societal stability, just as the assassination of Hani did.

Meanwhile, Walus has been stabbed in prison. The Correctional Services Department said that he was in a stable condition.

A detailed incident report is to be provided at a later stage, but it’s alleged that Walus was stabbed by another inmate from the same housing unit.