Denise Zimba Shares Emotional Account After Being Denied Entry During Daughter’s Birthday Visit in Germany

South African media personality Denise Zimba has shared a deeply emotional update about her ongoing custody battle, revealing a distressing experience during a recent trip to Germany to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. The former Generations: The Legacy actress says she was not allowed into the home where her children live, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

Zimba took to social media on Saturday, July 4, stating that she had travelled to Munich specifically to spend time with her daughters on their special day. However, she claimed she was denied entry into the house and informed that any interaction with her children would have to take place outside the home.

“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,” she wrote. She further explained that she opened birthday gifts she had brought for her children in a parking lot after being told she could not enter the residence.

The situation forms part of a long-running and complex custody dispute between Zimba and her estranged husband, Jakob Schlichtig. The couple’s legal battle has been ongoing since 2024, following the breakdown of their marriage and allegations surrounding the circumstances of their separation.

Reports indicate that the dispute escalated after Zimba retained the children in South Africa following what was intended to be a temporary family holiday. Schlichtig later approached legal authorities under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, leading to court proceedings in both South Africa and Germany. In 2025, the Western Cape High Court ruled that the children—who hold dual South African and German citizenship—are habitual residents of Germany and ordered their return.

Since then, custody arrangements have remained highly sensitive, with Zimba reportedly having restricted or supervised access to her daughters.

Her recent post quickly sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing sympathy and offering messages of support. Others, however, engaged in debate over the complexities of the case and the challenges of cross-border custody disputes.

Among those who responded was controversial podcaster and social commentator Penuel “The Black Pen” Mlotshwa, who shared a detailed reaction online. While expressing sympathy for Zimba’s emotional pain, he also commented on the legal background of the case, suggesting that both parties bear responsibility for how the situation has unfolded.

Mlotshwa argued that relocating children without mutual parental consent can create long-term complications, especially in international custody disputes. He also stated that supervised visitation was a consequence of earlier legal rulings, and encouraged both parents to prioritise the wellbeing of their children above all else.

He further advised Zimba to reconsider sharing sensitive personal details about her children publicly, suggesting that private support systems and therapy may be more beneficial in navigating such a difficult period.

The situation continues to draw public attention, highlighting the emotional and legal complexities of international custody battles. As the dispute between Zimba and Schlichtig unfolds, the focus remains on the welfare of their daughters and the possibility of a more stable co-parenting arrangement in the future.