Media personality Denise Zimba shared that she had travelled to Munich, Germany, for her daughter’s birthday celebration and was allegedly denied entry into the venue.
Also see: Denise Zimba shares emotional reflection on Mother’s Day without her children
The former Vuzu presenter and her ex, Jakob Schlichtig, were in a bitter custody battle, which saw her daughters ultimately move from South Africa to their father’s home country.
Denise Zimba barred from Munich home
On 4 July 2026, Zimba took to her X account and claimed the following:
“Travelled all the way to Munich to see my girls. I have restricted access to them. Today is my daughter’s birthday party, and I am not allowed in the house. Opened gifts that I got them in the parking lot and have been told that if I want to see them, it will have to be outside.”
Traveled all the way to Munich to see my girls. I have restricted access 2 them. Today is my daughters birthday party, and I am not allowed in the house. Opened gifts that I got them in the parking lot … & have been told that if I want to see them, it will have to be outside🤷🏽♀️
— Denise Zimba (@MissDeniseZimba) July 4, 2026
The post was met with support from social media users, with some sharing similar experiences, while others claimed that Zimba’s experience is what some women put their children’s fathers through.
Also see: Denise Zimba reportedly facing R300K debt following custody battle with ex
Understanding Denise Zimba’s legal dispute
Zimba’s restricted access to her children stems from a Johannesburg High Court ruling that favoured Schlichtig after he reportedly requested the children’s return, Cape Times reported last year.
The former couple, who met in 2015, tied the knot in 2020 but split in 2023, Sunday World reported. Zimba accused her ex of having an affair with her childhood friend, ultimately leading to their divorce.
According to Sunday World, Schlichtig and the Central Authority of the Republic of South Africa (Carsa) filed urgent papers after they made Germany their home.
Court papers state that the family travelled to South Africa in November 2023 for what was intended to be a two-month holiday, with plans to return before the children resumed school. However, following marital difficulties, Zimba allegedly informed Schlichting she would not be returning to Germany and wanted a divorce.
Schlichting reportedly offered to return to Germany with the children, but Zimba refused. After further attempts to persuade her to return, he went back to Germany alone and later requested assistance from Germany’s Central Authority.
The above-mentioned publication notes that the application argued that the children were wrongfully retained in South Africa because Germany was their habitual residence and Schlichting had agreed to their trip only on the understanding they would return.
It also alleges Zimba intended to settle permanently in South Africa after enrolling the children in school and leasing a property in Johannesburg. Carsa maintains that the children’s continued stay in South Africa breaches Schlichting’s custody rights under German law.
Also see: Denise Zimba shares a heartfelt confession – ‘My children live with the consequences of my actions’
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