Criminal case opened against Helen Zille

The MK Party has opened a crimen injuria case against the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille.

The party opened the case against Zille at the Orlando Police Station on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

Crimen injuria is a common-law crime defined as the unlawful, intentional, and serious impairment of another person’s dignity or privacy.

The case against Zille stemmed from the alleged use of profane and vulgar language toward MK Party representative Andile Chalwe during a political debate.

The debate, by Moja Love on 31 August 2026 in Orlando East, Soweto, was hosted by Nimrod Nkosi and included ActionSA, DA, IFP, MK Party, and Patriotic Alliance.

According to the joint account issued by ActionSA and the MK Party, tensions escalated during the debate, and Zille directed profane language at Chalwe.

According to a statement from the MK Party, the exchange was witnessed by ActionSA representative Ayanda Allie.

The parties further stated that when the matter was raised with the host, Zille admitted to using vulgar language in response to Chalwe’s remarks.

“The MK Party regards this matter as serious and believes that political debate must remain within the bounds of dignity, respect and lawful conduct,” it said.
We call on the South African Police Service to process the complaint in accordance with the law and to conduct any necessary investigation without fear or favour.  

The MK Party, together with ActionSA, has also called on Moja Love to broadcast the two-part debate in full.

The programme was reportedly expected to air in September but has not yet been broadcast.

The parties maintained that the relevant release forms were signed and have called on the broadcaster to clarify the decision not to air the programme.  

“We are demanding that both episodes be broadcast in full by 15 October 2026, including the exchange involving Helen Zille and Andile Chalwe,” the MK Party said.

Should the episodes not be broadcast by the stated deadline, ActionSA and the MK Party have indicated that they will consider appropriate legal action.

“The MK Party remains committed to accountability, equality before the law and the protection of the dignity of all political participants,” it said.