By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates Football Club have announced the suspension of Thembinkosi Lorch after he was found guilty of assault.
On Wednesday, Pirates issued a statement to announce that Lorch has been suspended from all the club’s activities until 12 December.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club has noted the conclusion of legal proceedings involving our player, Thembinkosi Lorch,” the statement read.
“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 12 December.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is grateful to its sponsors, supporters and the broader community for the space that you have provided in ensuring the rule of law and the club’s value system play out without hindrance,” the statement concluded.
The club’s decision comes in the wake of legal proceedings involving Lorch. The latter dodged a bullet as he escaped a potential jail sentence with a suspended sentence and a hefty fine for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Lorch was on Tuesday handed a suspended jail sentence and fined R100 000 for assaulting his girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Lorch’s sentence was suspended for five years on condition he is not found guilty of committing a similar offence during the period.
On Wednesday, former Orlando Pirates star Thamsanqa Gabuza, currently playing for TS Galaxy, was granted bail appearing in court over attempted rape and domestic abuse charges.
Gabuza made a brief appearance in the Alexandra Magistrates Court on Wednesday. His case was adjourned to December 11 to allow for further investigation.
Gabuza and Lorch played together at Pirates between 2013 and 2019.
The country prepares for 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children, gender-based violence activists.
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The period was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise public awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) in line with resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999.
This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of society.