Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch has been handed a suspended sentence for the assault of his former girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala.
He appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday where he was handed a three-year prison sentence, for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
However, the National Prosecuting Authority, said the sentence was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.
Spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, says Lorch was also ordered to pay a fine of R100 000 to the non-governmental organisation, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), with R50 000 payable immediately (Tues), and the balance in instalments.
She said the case relates to a September 2020 complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his former girlfriend that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000. Lorch was arrested on
Mjonondwane said the assault took place at Lorch’s house in Midrand in on 6 September.
07 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand, on 06 September 2020.
She said Mathithibala said she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend. She messaged him later as it was later asking him to return her car keys.
“On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and started to strangle her, and beat her whilst pulling her up and down,” Mjonondwane said.
She said the state prosecutor, Michele Hart, had argued that the medical evidence corroborated the complainant’s evidence.
The NPA said it would continue the fight against Gender-Based Violence to protect women from being subjected and/or targeted by perpetrators of GBV.
