In a significant development, Thembinkosi Lorch, a renowned football player for Orlando Pirates, has been found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Nokuthula Mathithibala, in 2020. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Lorch was convicted on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, shedding light on a distressing incident that unfolded between the couple.
According to Mathithibala’s account, Lorch attacked her after she questioned him about his whereabouts during a six-hour absence, which left her alone at his residence. Allegedly, Lorch slapped and choked her while restraining her. Adding to her ordeal, he took the car she was driving and left with his friends, leaving her stranded and vulnerable.
BREAKING NEWS | Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch convicted of assaulting ex-girlfriend
Orlando Pirates football player Thembinkosi Lorch has been convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Nokuthula Mathithibala in 2020. Lorch was found guilty on charges of assault with… pic.twitter.com/hYnyOd3JWs
— Mamelodi Beacon (@MamelodiBeacon) June 6, 2023
This distressing incident was not the first instance of violence inflicted upon Mathithibala by Lorch. She revealed that it was the third time she had experienced such abuse, but she had refrained from reporting the previous incidents, intending to safeguard Lorch’s career. The repercussions of the assaults took a toll on her mental health, leading to trauma, anxiety, and depression, requiring hospitalization under the psychiatric team in December 2020.
Lorch vehemently denied the allegations leveled against him, questioning the credibility of Mathithibala as a witness. The court has set July 28th as the date for his sentencing, wherein he faces the prospect of a jail term or a monetary fine for his offense. The conviction of Lorch has elicited mixed reactions from fans and social media users, with some condemning his actions while others rally to his defense, reflecting the divisiveness surrounding the case.
The conviction of Thembinkosi Lorch not only marks a significant legal development but also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of domestic violence and its impact on victims. This case serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their status or profession, should be exempt from the consequences of their harmful actions. The outcome of the sentencing will further underline the importance of addressing violence against women and promoting a society that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its members.
