By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has been given a three-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five years after being found guilty of assault of his former girlfriend.
Lorch has been in and out of court after an assault case was made against him by his former girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala back in September 2020.
He was found guilty of the offense after the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that indeed the player committed a crime.
Lorch will serve a three-year suspended jail sentence and pay a R100,000 fine which will be channeled to People Opposing Women Abuse, a gender-based violence group.
Lorch will pay R50,000 upfront with the balance being paid in five equal monthly installments.
During the duration of the suspended sentence, the Bucs star should not be convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Since recovering from injury, Lorch has been a key figure for coach Jose Riveiro across all competitions.
Fullview reached out to Orlando Pirates Football Club for comment, but is still awaiting a response and the article will be updated once received.