Thembinkosi Lorch’s sentencing postponed to next month. Thembinkosi Lorch, a midfielder for the Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates, will now get his sentence on September 4. The Randburg Magistrates’ Court convicted Lorch guilty of assault with the intent to cause great bodily damage in June.

After his ex-girlfriend Nokuphiwa Mathithibala filed a report of violence against the football player with Midrand SAPS in September 2020, Lorch was taken into custody. Mathithibala was apparently visiting Lorch when he went missing for several hours. When he returned, she confronted him, and he allegedly beat, strangled, and sat on top of her while she lay helpless on the ground.

According to testimony given in court, Mathithibala would not have had the chance to flee if it weren’t for Lorch’s acquaintance. Orlando Pirates said in a statement following Lorch’s arrest that he was getting therapy to better control his anger issues.

“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,” read the statement.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane, a spokesperson for the NPA, the case has been continued until September for sentencing.

“Unfortunately the court could not proceed because Mr Lorch and his defence were not ready with the pre-sentencing report because the accused was out of the country and they could not complete the process said,” Mjonondwane. Lorch is currently out on R2 000 bail.