Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has received a three-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five years after being found guilty of assault of his former girlfriend.
Lorch, 30, had been found guilty “of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm”, and was expecting to learn his sentence in July already.
However, the case was postponed multiple times after Lorch’s defence requested more time.
On Tuesday morning, Lorch appeared in the Randburg Magistrate Court to finally hear the ruling, and he received a five-year suspended jail sentence, while he was also ordered to pay R100,000 to to People Opposing Women Abuse, a gender-based violence group, as per SundayWorld.
In addition, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.
In June, the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa had released the following statement via NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division, Phindi Mjonondwane on Lorch’s case, confirming he was found guilty of assault of his former girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.
“Soccer star Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020, that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000.
“Lorch was arrested on 07 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand, on 06 September 2020. Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala said she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend. Mathithibala saw that it was getting late and messaged him to return her car keys. On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and started to strangle her, beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue.
“State prosecutor,Ms Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant. The accused did not have any injuries which meant that he was the aggressor. The accused and his witness did not create a good impression in court and appeared to be not credible witnesses. The case was postponed to 28 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings.”
Pirates had subsequently also released a statement, confirming they had conducted their own investigation and charged their player with serious misconduct to which he pleaded guilty.
As a consequence, he was handed a “monetary fine and ordered to undergo anger management therapy”.
Lorch has since attended “anger management therapy” and has not had a similar incident, with the club confirming the therapy was “an appropriate corrective measure”.
Regarding the latest ruling by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Pirates stated they have “requested Mr Lorch to provide details on conviction and sentencing”. The club has given no further update since.
