Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Wednesday she wants her day in court to defend herself against comments made by African National Congress Youth League President Julius Malema.

Malema called Zille a Satanist after the Land Invasion Unit allegedly demolished churches in Khayelitsha this week.

The two have been at odds since the youth league labelled Zille a 'racist girl' after her inauguration as Western Cape premier.

After the latest tongue lashing from Malema, Zille hit back with court action.

"My lawyers drew up the papers and they will get served on Julius Malema," said Zille.

Zille, explaining her decision to sue Malema for defamation, told Jacaranda FM that: "Julius Malema thinks that he is above the law. He thinks he can engage in hate speech whenever he likes. Somebody has to draw the line for him. His party clearly won't do that because I think they are frightened of him."

According to the radio station, Patricia de Lille, who was also subject to a scathing personal attack, does not plan to stoop to Malema's level: "I certainly will not go to his level. It is such a stupid comment. It just shows that he has got half a brain cell."