Media personality Denise Zimba is reportedly facing a heartbreaking legal battle after being ordered to return her two young daughters, aged 19 months and 5 years, to her estranged husband, Jakob Schlichtig, in Munich, Germany.
According to reports, the Johannesburg High Court ruled in favour of Schlichtig after he reportedly requested the children’s return through the Central Authority in Germany.
Earlier this year, the 36-year-old TV presenter revealed a painful betrayal, alleging that her husband had an affair with her childhood friend — ultimately leading to their divorce.
In a statement, Women For Change expressed their support for Zimba and revealed that she and Schlichtig initially returned to South Africa after the birth of their second child.
However, due to marital disputes, Zimba chose to remain in their Cape Town home while her husband moved back to Germany. He later filed a Hague Convention case against her, claiming she had unlawfully retained the children.
“In 2022, Denise, her husband, and their daughter moved to Germany. After giving birth to her second child, the family returned to South Africa, but amid ongoing marital disputes, Denise felt more supported by her family and friends and decided to stay in their Cape Town home with her daughters.
''Her husband initially agreed and returned to Germany - only to later file a Hague Convention case against her, claiming she had unlawfully retained the children. Since then, Denise has been fighting in court for the right to keep her children close and raise them in a safe and loving environment.”
The organisation criticised the ruling, arguing that the system is failing mothers. They stated that while fathers can claim parental rights, the immense emotional and physical labour mothers invest in raising their children is often overlooked.
“This ruling is yet another example of the system failing mothers. Fathers can claim parental rights while disregarding the immense emotional and physical labour mothers dedicated to raising their children. The trauma of taking children away from their mothers - their source of comfort, safety, and love - is immeasurable.
“How many more mothers must fight against a system that disregards their sacrifices, love, and children’s best interests? How many more women must be labelled as criminals for simply trying to protect and nurture their children?” the statement reads.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for Zimba and all mothers who have had to fight—often alone, unheard, and too often losing. 'We demand justice for Denise, her two daughters, and all the women silenced by a system that continues to fail them. #WomenForChange," they stated.
Zimba took to social media, sharing a heart-wrenching post of a mother holding a baby, accompanied by the caption: ‘'I made you.’' The post quickly garnered widespread support, with fans rallying behind her.
https://x.com/MissDeniseZimba/status/1898264187324768365/photo/1
@Anathi_Pezisa said, “I'm so sorry, Denise. I pray that God gives you strength during this time and that He will work everything together for your good.”
“I’m so sorry Denise I really feel for you I saw the way you love your babies how can the court allow him to take them especially girls,” said @LadyLu101.
“I know how hard this is, but I would suggest you follow your kids. If you have to move to Germany, do it for your kids. You won't regret being with your kids,” said @tucklady.
“Appeal the judgement until the Constitutional Court. @GardeeAttorneys you are the last hope,” said @tuse11.
The Star