The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has opened a criminal case against Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille following a heated political debate in Soweto.

The party confirmed that a crimen injuria complaint was lodged at Orlando Police Station on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

The complaint concerns allegations that Zille used offensive language towards MK Party representative Andile Chalwe during a televised debate recorded in August.

According to Newsday, the dispute has also prompted calls for broadcaster Moja Love to release footage of the exchange.

Political Debate Sparks Criminal Complaint

The confrontation allegedly occurred on 31 August during the recording of Moja Love's Lentswe La Hao programme in Orlando East, Soweto.

The debate featured representatives from the DA, MK Party, ActionSA, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA).

ActionSA and the MK Party said tensions escalated between participants during the nearly four-hour recording.

In a joint statement published by ActionSA, the parties alleged that Zille used vulgar language towards Chalwe.

They further claimed that Zille acknowledged using the language when the exchange was raised with programme host Nimrod Nkosi.

ActionSA representative Ayanda Allie reportedly witnessed the confrontation.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

MK Party Demands Accountability

The MK Party subsequently approached police, accusing Zille of crimen injuria.

Crimen injuria is a common-law offence involving the unlawful, intentional and serious violation of another person's dignity or privacy.

According to The Citizen, MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu called for the complaint to be investigated without favouritism.

The party maintained that political disagreements should not prevent participants from treating one another with dignity.

Opening a criminal case does not establish guilt, and there has been no reported conviction arising from the complaint.

Moja Love Given October Deadline

The controversy has also raised questions about why the recorded debate has not been broadcast.

According to ActionSA, Moja Love had undertaken to air the two-part programme in September, but both episodes remain unaired.

The broadcaster reportedly raised concerns about obtaining signed release forms from participants.

However, ActionSA and the MK Party maintain that the required documents were completed.

Both parties have demanded that Moja Love broadcast the episodes by 15 October 2026, including the disputed exchange.

They have warned that legal action could follow if the broadcaster fails to meet the deadline.