Orlando Pirates player handed suspended sentence for assault
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court sentenced Orlando Pirates player, Thembinkosi Lorch, to three years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Lorch appeared in court on Tuesday.
He was arrested in Midrand in September 2020, and was later released on R2000 bail.
"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," said NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
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"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."
The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of committing a similar offence during the period of suspension.
He was further ordered to pay a fine of R100 000 to the non-governmental organisation, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), with R50 000 payable immediately, and the balance in instalments.
