Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: Backpagepix

When Pirates star will be sentenced after being found guilty for strangling girlfriend

Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch could face an uncertain future after being found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend in 2020.

Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: Backpagepix

On Tuesday, Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch was found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

The case dates back to an incident three years ago when he was accused of having the intent to cause bodily harm by hitting and strangling her.

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In September 2020, Mathithibala decided to open a case against Lorch, who was arrested and later released on bail of R2,000.

After delays in the case, the 29-year-old was found guilty of the offense by the Randburg Magistrate’s court this week. Sentencing will take place on 28 July.

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What was said in court about the Pirates player?

“Mathithibala saw that it was getting late and messaged him to return her car keys,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said as quoted by the Sunday World. “On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her and started to strangle her, and beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue.”

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Michele Hart, the State’s Prosecutor, also stated: “The accused, [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 and appeared to be not credible witnesses.”

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