Hani was shot and killed by Januzs Walus, a Polish refugee with close ties to the far-right, White nationalist AWB. The assassination took place as Hani returned home to the racially mixed suburb of Dawn Park, Boksburg, Johannesburg. Hani’s daughter Nomakhwezi, then 15 years old, was with him at the time, while his wife Limpho and two other daughters were away.
The assassination was part of a larger conspiracy involving Clive Derby-Lewis, a Conservative Party MP, who was also implicated in the killing. However, as investigations continued, evidence emerged pointing to a possible conspiracy beyond the far-right, linking the assassination to the African National Congress (ANC) itself.
The Mail & Guardian reported on documents that suggested the ANC’s intelligence wing, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), may have played a role in the assassination. According to the report, the NIS may have wanted Hani removed from the political scene due to his growing popularity and influence, which could have threatened the ANC’s own leadership.
The assassination of Hani was met with widespread outrage and protests across South Africa. The country was on the brink of a civil war, with tensions between the ruling National Party and the ANC at an all-time high. Hani’s death almost derailed the negotiations for a peaceful transition to democracy, which were already underway at the time.
In the aftermath of Hani’s assassination, Nelson Mandela appealed for calm and urged South Africans to work towards a peaceful resolution. His leadership and call for unity helped to diffuse the situation and prevent further violence.
Today, Thembisile Chris Hani is remembered as a hero of the anti-apartheid struggle, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of South Africans.
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