Orlando Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch has been handed a suspended five-year jail sentence and fined for assaulting former girlfriend.
Lorch has been in and out of court after an assault case was made against him by his former girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala back in September 2020.
The Pirates attacker was found guilty of the offense after the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that indeed the player committed a crime.
After being found guilty of the offense, Pirates insisted they would not stand in the way of justice, but again confirmed the player was going through rehabilitation to manage his anger issues.
In September 2023, the sentencing was suspended owing to personal issues as confirmed by State Prosecutor Michele Hart.
According to the Sunday World, Lorch will serve a five-year suspended jail sentence and pay a R100,000 fine which will be channeled to People Opposing Women Abuse, a gender-based violence group.
Lorch will pay R50,000 upfront with the balance being paid in five equal monthly installments.
During the duration of the suspended five-year sentence, the Bucs star should not be convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Since recovering from injury, Lorch has been a key figure for coach Jose Riveiro across all competitions.
Lorch will have to stay focused to help the Sea Robbers get back their consistency in the Premier Soccer League and successfully defend their Nedbank Cup.
