Actress Denise Zimba loses child custody battle as court rules in favor of ex-husband

The Johannesburg High Court has ruled in favor of Denise Zimba’s German ex-husband, Jakob Schlichting, granting him full custody of their daughters. This ruling allows Schlichting to take the children back to Germany, a decision that has sparked criticism from the non-profit organization Women For Change.

Denise Zimba, former V Entertainment presenter, lost custody of her two daughters, aged 19 months and 5 years. She had previously shared her struggle to retain custody after filing for divorce. Women For Change expressed solidarity with Zimba in a post on their X account, condemning the court’s decision as unjust. The organization emphasized that the children would be separated from their mother, their primary caregiver, and taken to a country they barely know.

The Johannesburg High Court justified its ruling by arguing that removing the children from their father would cause them distress. However, Women For Change countered this by highlighting the trauma the children would endure being separated from their mother and home. The organization criticized the ruling for failing to consider the emotional impact on the children and pledged support for Denise and other mothers facing similar battles.

“In a system that continues to fail women, we stand with Denise and demand justice for her and all mothers who have had to fight alone, unheard, and too often losing,” their statement read.

The custody battle between Zimba and Schlichting has been ongoing since 2022. Initially, the family moved to Germany, but after the birth of their second child, they returned to South Africa. Their marriage soon deteriorated, leading Zimba to remain in Cape Town with their daughters while Schlichting returned to Germany. Initially, he supported this arrangement but later changed his stance and filed a Hague Convention case, accusing Zimba of unlawfully retaining the children.

Adding to the controversy, Zimba recently revealed that her ex-husband had been unfaithful. According to reports, she ended their marriage after discovering he had cheated on her with her best friend. In 2024, she further disclosed catching him in a compromising situation while texting another woman.

This ruling has ignited debate on parental rights, legal systems, and the struggles faced by mothers fighting for custody. Women For Change continues to advocate for Zimba and other women facing similar challenges, calling for a justice system that prioritizes the best interests of children and their primary caregivers.