Picture: Orlando Pirates FC player, Thembinkosi Lorch
By OBAKENG MAJE
Orlando Pirates FC player, Thembinkosi Lorch was sentenced to three years imprisonment for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) by Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that Lorch is not found guilty of committing a similar offense during the period of suspension.
“He was further ordered to pay a fine of R100 000 to the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), with R50 000 payable immediately and the balance in installments.
“The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand police by his then-girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala in September 2020, that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000,” she said.
Mjonondwane further said Lorch was arrested on 7 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand on 6 September 2020. Mathithibala 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. He started to strangle her and beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue,” she added.
State prosecutor, Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant. Hart said Lorch 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 as they were found to be non-credible witnesses. The NPA will continue in its fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to protect women from being subjected and/or targeted by perpetrators of GBV,” she said.
The Guardian 