“Who Is Nokuphiwa Mathithibala?”: Beyond The Assault Case, Uncovering The Layers Of Thembinkosi Lorch’s Former Flame
Thembinkosi Lorch, the talented footballer who has played for both Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana, found himself in the spotlight on Tuesday as he was convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.
In September 2020, the former couple grabbed headlines when it was reported that Thembinkosi Lorch had been arrested for the physical assault of Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.
Lorch, who is currently in a relationship with actress Natasha Thahane and shares a one-year-old child with her, was taken into custody on 7 September 2020.
He was subsequently granted bail in the amount of R2,000.
As per the information disclosed in the charge sheet, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala had visited Thembinkosi Lorch at his residence in Midrand. Later, Lorch left Mathithibala alone and went out with his friends.
When he returned, an argument escalated, leading to the soccer star physically assaulting and strangling Mathithibala.
Gauteng’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, stated that the State prosecutor, Michele Hart, presented arguments based on medical evidence that supported the complainant’s testimony.
“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.”
Here are five key points to know about Lorch’s former girlfriend, whom he was found guilty of assaulting as reported by The South African.
1. NOKUPHIWA MATHITHIBALA IS FROM THE EASTERN CAPE
The social media personality was born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
2. SHE IS 31 YEARS OLD
Mathithibala was born on on 11 January 1992, making her a year older than Lorch who was born in 22 July 1993.
3. LINKED TO ANDILE JALI
Last year, the rumour mill had it that former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali had paid lobolo for Mathithibala.
The ccouple had already gone Instagram official with Mathithibala wishing Jali a happy birthday with a sweet message on 10 April.
“Happy birthday????Bhutiza, my everything ♥️♥️♥️ I got your back, you know God and your ancestors got your back too!!! Blessed you are, continue shining through his greatness!!! I love you iviki neviki [week in week out]” she wrote at the time.
It is not clear if the couple is still together.
4. MATHITHIBALA IS A LIFE COUCH
The 31-year-old beauty is a life coach, according to her Instagram. She haas a company called Life With Phiwa, which, according to the website, is “a professional and licensed life coaching organization that specializes in helping their clients reach their personal goals and improve their capacity, competence, and productivity.”
5. BIG ON FITNESS
Mathithibala is a fitness enthusiast and influencer. She maintains a healthy lifestyle.