Thembinkosi Lorch: South African Football Star Sentenced for Assaulting His Ex-Girlfriend

South African footballer Thembinkosi Lorch was sentenced to probation for abusing his ex-girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the Orlando Pirates player was sentenced to three years in prison by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg for assault with intent to cause serious bodily damage.

The sentence was completely suspended for five years on the condition that he not be found guilty of a comparable offense during that time.

He was also sentenced to pay a R100,000 fine to the non-governmental organization People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), with R50,000 due immediately (today) and the remainder paid in instalments.

In September 2020, his then-girlfriend made a complaint with Midrand Police, which resulted in his detention and subsequent release on R2000 bond.

Lorch was detained on September 7, 2020, following an incident at his Midrand apartment on September 6, 2020.

Nokuphiwa Fundiswa Mathithibala explained that she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his house to go out with a friend. Mathithibala realized it was becoming late and texted him to ask him to return her car keys.

Lorch turned violent towards her upon her arrival, strangling her and beating her while pulling her up and down. She shouted for assistance, and his friend came to her aid.

Ms Michele Hart, the state prosecutor, contended that the medical findings supported the complainant’s testimony.

“The accused did not have any injuries which meant that he was the aggressor,” Ms Hart said.

“The accused and his witness did not create a good impression in court as they were found to be non-credible witnesses,”

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has stated that it will continue its fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in order to safeguard women from being subjected to and/or targeted by GBV perpetrators.