Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Gauteng on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala. The incident took place at his residence in Midrand in September 2020.

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Lorch was also released on an R2 000 bail. But on Tuesday, the Bafana Bafana star was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Mathithibala testified that she was visiting Lorch when he left her at his home to go out with his friend. She told the court that when she saw it was getting late, she texted him to return her car keys.

THEMBINKOSI LORCH GUILTY OF ASSAULT

On arrival, an argument ensued and the player also became violent towards her and strangled her.

“Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The case relates to a complaint laid with Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020. The case was postponed to 28 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings,” said NPA Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

By Khotso Ramalatswa