Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assaulting girlfriend

Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi ‘SMS’ Lorch has been found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng.

The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020, that resulted in his arrest and subsequent release on bail of R2000.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lorch was arrested on 7 September 2020, following an incident that happened at his place of residence in Midrand, on 6 September 2020.

The girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala said she 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 and started to strangle her, beat her whilst pulling her up and down. She called for help and his friend came to her rescue.

NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane said the State prosecutor, Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant. The accused 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.

The case was postponed to 28 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings.