Orlando Pirates football club has released an official statement revealing that they have suspended star player Thebinkosi Lorch until 12 December.
The decision comes after Thebinkosi was found guilty of assault with intent of causing grievous bodily harm to his girlfriend Fundiswa Mathithibela in September 2020.
On Tuesday, Lorch was sentenced in the Randburg magistrate’s court to three years’ imprisonment for assaulting his then girlfriend, though it was later suspended for five years On condition that he does not repeat a similar offence.
In a statement his club wrote:
“Orlando Pirates Football Club has noted the conclusion of legal proceedings involving our player, Thembinkosi Lorch. Consistent with Orlando Pirates Rules and Pledge, articulated in the statement the club issued when the legal proceedings commenced, the Club is commencing its internal process.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is at all times mindful of its obligation as a result of the employer-employee relationship it has with the players. The Club also handles the administration of justice in a manner that avoids double jeopardy – where the players would be punished twice for the same offence.
“The above are consistent with the club values without which the Club would not function judiciously.
“Having said that the Club has removed Thembinkosi Lorch from all Club activities until December 12.”
Meanwhile the midfielder will also have to pay a fine of R100 000 to People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA).
