Denise Zimba Speaks Out After Losing Custody of Daughters to German Ex-Husband
Media personality Denise Zimba, has broken her silence following reports that she lost custody of her daughters to her German ex-husband, Jakob Schlichtig.
Zimba’s Emotional Post Hints at Heartbreak Over Custody Loss
The TV presenter took to her X account this past week to express her heartbreak over the decision.
Zimba posted a poignant image of a woman holding a baby, accompanied by the words “I made you”, and further emphasized her emotional pain with crying and broken heart emojis.
Her cryptic message followed media reports revealing that a Johannesburg High Court ruling granted Schlichtig full custody, allowing him to take the couple’s daughters back to Germany.
Also Read: Denise Zimba Reveals Ex-Husband Was Cheating On Her With Her Bestfriend Of 22 Years
Court Ruling Sparks Controversy
According to reports from Women For Change, the court determined that the children would suffer emotional distress if they remained separated from their father. This decision has left Zimba devastated, as it signifies not only the loss of custody but also the further distance between her and her children.
Zimba, who had initially relocated to Germany with Schlichtig and their first daughter after their 2022 wedding, returned to South Africa after the birth of their second child due to marital issues.
Past Infidelities Revealed
The custody battle comes after Zimba’s emotional revelation earlier this year. In January 2025, she shared on social media that her ex-husband had cheated on her with her childhood friend, Mpumi Mdluli. Zimba disclosed the deep betrayal, stating that she and Mdluli had been close friends since they were 14 years old, and that the affair had only become apparent after Mdluli distanced herself during Zimba’s pregnancy.
“Nothing worse than finding out your best friend since you were 14 years old has been having an affair with your husband,” Zimba wrote, expressing her hurt over the situation.
Support from Fans and Followers
Despite the public backlash and the pain of losing custody of her daughters, Zimba has received an outpouring of support from her followers. South Africans have flooded her social media with messages of comfort and advice, offering words of strength during this challenging time.