Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning for his sentencing.
Thembinkosi Lorch sentencing postponed – Here’s why
The court was set to decide his punishment for the assault on his former girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala, who laid charges against him in September 2020.
Postponement of Sentencing
The much-anticipated sentencing was postponed, and Lorch now awaits his pre-sentencing briefing scheduled for 4 September 2023.
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Last month, Thembinkosi Lorch was found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The charges stemmed from an incident where he strangled Mathithibala and pulled her hair at his home in Midrand, Johannesburg.
During the court proceedings, State prosecutor Michele Hart argued that the medical evidence supported the complainant’s testimony. The lack of injuries on Lorch indicated that he was the aggressor in the altercation. The accused’s credibility was also questioned during the trial.
Current Bail Status
Thembinkosi Lorch is currently out on R2 000 bail, awaiting his sentencing. The court will consider all relevant factors before determining the appropriate punishment for the crime committed.
Fundiswa Mathithibala, the former girlfriend of Lorch, attended the court session wearing a mustard suit. She appeared composed as she left the courtroom accompanied by a friend, while Lorch remained silent and did not engage with the media.
As part of the court’s directives, Lorch has been instructed not to leave the country and to refrain from making any contact with Fundiswa Mathithibala pending further legal proceedings, per City Press.
