The South African government has joined forces with Jakob Schlichting, the estranged husband of television actress Denise Zimba, in a legal dispute over their children. The couple, who had a grand wedding on January 10, 2020, found themselves at odds during a holiday in Cape Town late last year.
After the breakup, Schlichting returned to Germany while Zimba decided to stay in South Africa with their two children. Claiming that Zimba had unlawfully removed the children from their habitual place, Schlichting initiated legal proceedings against her.
Urgent court papers filed by Schlichting and the Central Authority of the Republic of South Africa (Carsa) shed light on the explosive situation. Carsa, the first applicant, and Schlichting, the second applicant, are requesting that Zimba return the children to Germany after June 7.
According to Renay Kathawaroo of Carsa, they received a request for assistance from the Central Authority of Germany on March 19, 2024. The application highlights that Schlichting and Zimba initially met in Cape Town in January 2015 and later agreed to move to Germany together in 2016.
The legal battle continues as both parties seek resolution in the Joburg High Court.