Orlando Pirates Thembinkosi Lorch has been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend
The Bucs midfielder was arrested by police last night after he allegedly beat up his girlfriend. He appeared in the Midrand Magistrate court today on charges of assault. It is claimed that Lorch throttled the girlfriend.
The development has come as an embarrassment to the club as it will bring its name into disrepute.
Orlando Pirates released the following statement on gender based violence allegations against Lorch
Orlando Pirates Football Club is aware of an alleged incident involving Thembinkosi Lorch.
This matter is currently in the hands of the authorities. As a club we cannot comment further except to say that we condemn all forms of violence, especially violence against women and children. We support the rights of each and every individual but we strongly condemn violence.
This country has witnessed some of the most appalling cases of GBV and we do not take this matter lightly, however we need to respect the process undertaken by the authorities and allow the law to take its course.
Lorch has since been released on bail.
The girlfriend Nokhupiwa Mathithibala reported Lorch at Midrand Police station and narrated that she was strangled by the midfielder after she asked him about his whereabouts.
The incident happened at Lorch’s complex in Midrand.
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Mathithibala stated that his boyfriend became angry after she asked him the reasons for his disappearance for about six hours as they were supposed to chill at his place after washing their two cars.
Lorch reportedly slapped Nokhupiwa before strangling her and sitting on top of her.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Kay Makhubele confirmed the case and revealed Lorch was arrested in the early hours of Monday at his home after the report by the girlfriend.