Orlando Pirates midfielder, Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of abusing and strangling his ex-girlfriend in September 2020. The 30-year-old Pirates star was found guilty by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, for assaulting his then-girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala with the intent to cause serious bodily damage.
The issue concerns a complaint that Lorch’s then-girlfriend filed with the Midrand Police in September 2020, which led to his arrest and subsequent release on a R2,000 bail.
This comes after an altercation which occurred at his Midrand home on September 6, 2020. Lorch was taken into custody on September 7, 2020, and according to NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala said she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend.
“Mathithibala saw that it was getting late and messaged him to return her car keys. On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and started to strangle her, beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue”, stated Mjonondwane.
Mjonondwane further said that, according to state prosecutor Michele Hart, the complainant’s testimony was supported by medical findings.
“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, and the case was postponed to July 23, 2023, for sentencing proceedings”, he added.
