Orlando Pirates, Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for strangling and hitting his girlfriend.
The midfielder appeared in the Randburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday and will be back for sentencing on July 23.
The case was opened by his then girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala, in September 2020.
He was released on a R2 000 bail. However, he was today found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mathithibala testified that she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend. She told the court that when she saw it was getting late, she texted him to return her car keys.
On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and strangled her.
NPA Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, “Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The case relates to a complaint laid with Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020. The case was postponed to 28 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings.”