Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has been handed a 3-year jail sentence, but it’s suspended for five years, for assaulting his ex-girlfriend

Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has received a three-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five years after being found guilty of assault of his former girlfriendFundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

Lorch, 30, had been found guilty “of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm”, and was expecting to learn his sentence in July already.

However, the case was postponed multiple times after Lorch’s defence requested more time.

On Tuesday morning, Lorch appeared in the Randburg Magistrate Court to finally hear the ruling, and he received a five-year suspended jail sentence, while he was also ordered to pay R100,000 to to People Opposing Women Abuse, a gender-based violence group, as per SundayWorld.

IMAGE: TWITTER

IMAGE: NPA_Prosecutes/ TWITTER 

In addition, he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.

In June, the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa had released the following statement via NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division, Phindi Mjonondwane on Lorch’s case, confirming he was found guilty of assault of his former girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

“Soccer star Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020, that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000. 

“Lorch was arrested on 07 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand, on 06 September 2020. 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. Diski Times report.

Lorch became furious when Nokuphiwa inquired about his whereabouts after he disappeared for six hours, leaving her alone at his house where they had planned to spend time together after washing their two cars. This was according to her account.