Soccer star and Orlando Pirates mid-fielder Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court today.

MISSING IN ACTION

This is related to a case that was opened at the Midrand police station in September 2020 by Lorch’s then-girlfriend Nokuphiwa Mathithibala. It is alleged that a fight ensued between the pair after Mathithibala asked the footballer where he had disappeared to for six hours. Lorch then allegedly slapped, strangled, and sat on top of her while she lay on the ground.

NOT ACCEPTABLE 

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.

ARREST

According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, after the case was opened, Lorch was arrested and later released on bail of R2000. "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 Mjonondwane, adding that SAPS had been instructed to conduct further investigation, which will inform the NPA’s decision on whether or not to proceed with prosecuting Lorch. The matter has been postponed to the 28th of July for sentencing