Here is what Helen Zille said that resulted in a crimen injuria case against her

The Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, revealed what she said that resulted in a crimen injuria case against her.

On 8 October 2026, the MK Party and ActionSA opened a crimen injuria case against Zille at the Orlando Police Station.

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 ActionSA and the MK Party, tensions escalated during the debate, and Zille directed profane language at Chalwe.

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.

“We are demanding that both episodes be broadcast in full by 15 October 2026, including the exchange involving Helen Zille and Andile Chalwe,” they 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 and ActionSA did not provide details on what Zille said, which caused them to file a case against her.

However, Zille has provided Newsday with exactly what she said, and also explained which she said.

“Indeed, I told Andile Chalwe she was talking kak when she said we would bring back apartheid.  U Bua Masepa,” Zille said.

“I am sorry I was not more forceful in dismissing these malicious lies. Next time I will be.”