Orlando Pirates Football Club has suspended their midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch following his sentencing by the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Lorch was found guilty a few months ago for assaulting his now ex-girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala, in September 2020.

In a statement released by Orlando Pirates last night, the club said it has noted the conclusion of legal proceedings involving their player, Lorch. "Consistent with Orlando Pirates rules and pledge, articulated in the statement the club issued when the legal proceedings commenced, the club is commencing its internal process. Orlando Pirates Football Club is at all times mindful of its obligation as a result of the employer-employee relationship it has with the players. The club also handles the administration of justice in a manner that avoids double jeopardy, where the players would be punished twice for the same offence. The above are consistent with the club values without which the club would not function judiciously. Having said that, the club has removed Thembinkosi Lorch from all club activities until December 12," the statement reads. Orlando Pirates further said that it is grateful to its sponsors, supporters and the broader community for the space that they have provided in ensuring the rule of law and the club's value system play out without hindrance.

Lorch, who could not be reached for comment. was sentenced to three years wholly suspended for five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. This emanates from an incident from three years ago where the footballer, slapped, strangled and sat on top of Mathithibala while she lay on the ground after she asked him where he had disappeared to for six hours. Lorch was granted an R20 000 bail after he was arrested. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that Lorch is not found guilty of committing a similar offence during the period of suspension. He was ordered to pay a fine of R100,000 to a non-governmental organisation, People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa), with R50,000 payable immediately and the balance in tranches of R10 000. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearm Control Act.