From Midfield Maestro To Court Drama| Thembinkosi Lorch Found Guilty Of Assaulting Girlfriend
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday delivered a verdict, declaring talented mid-fielder for Orlando Pirates Thembinkosi Lorch guilty of the charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The case in question originated from an incident that took place in September 2020, where Thembinkosi Lorch’s former girlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala, filed a report at the Midrand police station.
According to the allegations, an altercation ensued between Lorch and Mathithibala after she inquired about his whereabouts during a six-hour absence.
It is alleged that during the altercation, Lorch slapped, strangled, and pinned Mathithibala down while she was on the ground.
After the incident, Orlando Pirates Football Club released a statement saying they were aware of an alleged incident involving Lorch.
“This matter is currently in the hands of the authorities. As a club, we cannot comment further except to say that we condemn all forms of violence, especially violence against women and children. We support the rights of each and every individual but we strongly condemn violence. This country has witnessed some of the most appalling cases of GBV and we do not take this matter lightly, however, we need to respect the process undertaken by the authorities and allow the law to take its course,” read the statement.
The Arrest
Following the initiation of the case, Thembinkosi Lorch was arrested by the authorities, as confirmed by Phindi Mjonondwane, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Subsequently, Lorch was granted bail in the amount of R2000 and released from custody.
“Lorch, through his legal team, submitted representations to the Senior Public Prosecutor (SPP) and after considering such representations, the SPP took a decision to provisionally withdraw the prosecution against Lorch,” said
In addition, Phindi Mjonondwane stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had received instructions to carry out additional investigations, which will play a crucial role in the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) determination of whether to proceed with prosecuting Lorch.
The sentencing phase of the case has been adjourned and is scheduled to take place on the 28th of July.