Johannesburg – Soccer star Thembinkosi Lorch has been found guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.
The case relates to a complaint laid with the Midrand Police by his girlfriend in September 2020, that resulted in the Orlando Pirates star being arrested.
Lorch was subsequently released on bail of R2 000.
The court heard that Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala had visited Lorch. At some point, the footballer left her at his home to go out with his friend.
Mathithibala said she later messaged him to return her car keys.
On arrival, an argument ensued and Lorch became violent towards her.
Mathithibala said Lorch put his hands around her neck while pulling her violently up and down. He also beat her, she said.
State prosecutor Michele Hart told the court that the medical evidence corroborated the evidence of the complainant.
The accused did not have any injuries, which meant that he was the aggressor.
The accused and his witness did not create a good impression in court and appeared to be not credible witnesses.
The case was postponed to 28 July 2023, for sentencing proceedings.
