Thembinkosi Lorch, a famous soccer player for Orlando Pirates, is awaiting his judgment on his assault case that he was found guilty of in June 2023. The 30-year-old star will appear at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 9 October, to hear his fate.
Lorch was accused of assaulting his then-girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala in September 2020. He allegedly hit her with his elbow and slapped her several times after an argument at his home in Midrand. Mathithibala suffered bruises and swelling on her face and body. She reported the incident to the Midrand police station and Lorch was arrested and released on bail of R2 000.
Lorch pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but the court found him guilty after hearing the evidence and testimonies of both parties. The court also considered the medical report of Mathithibala, which confirmed her injuries.
The state prosecutor, Michelle Hart, said that Lorch’s case was postponed from Monday, 4 September, to Monday, 9 October, because his lawyer requested more time for consultation with the accused regarding the pre-sentencing report. She also said that Lorch’s defence was not ready to proceed with the sentencing arguments.
The state is expected to ask for a harsh sentence for Lorch, as he showed no remorse for his actions and violated the rights and dignity of Mathithibala. The state will also argue that Lorch’s case is a serious offence that falls under the Domestic Violence Act, which aims to protect women and children from abuse.
Lorch’s lawyer will likely plead for leniency for his client, citing his personal circumstances and his contribution to society as a soccer star. He may also appeal for a suspended sentence or a fine instead of imprisonment.
The judgement will be delivered by Magistrate Nomsa Khumalo, who will weigh the aggravating and mitigating factors of the case. She will also consider the impact of the assault on Mathithibala and the public interest in the case.
Lorch’s case has attracted a lot of attention from the media and the public, as he is a well-known and popular soccer player in South Africa. He plays as a forward for Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in the country. He has also represented the national team, Bafana Bafana, in several international tournaments.
Lorch’s fans and supporters are hoping that he will escape jail time and resume his soccer career. However, his critics and opponents are calling for justice and accountability for his actions. They are also urging the soccer authorities to take action against him and send a strong message against gender-based violence in sports.
