Orlando Pirates Football Club has released a statement following the arrest of it's midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch yesterday, for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.
The footballer's girlfriend Nokhupiwa Mathithibala opened a case of assault against the soccer star at Midrand Police Station following the incident which allegedly occurred at Lorch's residence in Midrand.
Confirming to Sunday World in a statement, South African Police Service’s Kay Makhubela said the star was arrested.
“Police in the early hours of Monday morning, 07 September 2020 arrested a 27-year old man for allegedly assaulting a woman at his place of residence in Midrand. It is reported that the suspect physically assaulted the complainant after a verbal exchange between the two, and the victim was allegedly rescued by the suspect's friend who was present at the time of the incident that is related to domestic,” read the police’s statement.
Lorch appeared in the Midrand Magistrates Court yesterday on a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The star was released on R2000 bail and is set to be back in court on 18 October 2020.
His club Orlando Pirate said, they cannot comment further as the matter is being handled by the police. The club says they condemn violence against women and children.
"This matter is currently in the hands of the authorities. As a club we cannot comment further except to say that 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."
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The incident has sparked outraged on social media with many condemning it and slamming the footballer. This also follows the brutal murder of actress Thandeka Mdeliswa.
The TV star who portrayed the role of Khanya on iKani, succumbed to gunshot wounds after she was shot in an argument between her brother and two unidentified men.
The incident has been described as another spate of Gender Based Violence. The family released a statement and expressed how heart-broken their are following this appalling incident "It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our dearest daughter.The brutality that was inflicted on our daughter hurts us deeply.This is another incident of violence against women (gender-based violence) that our country has to fight against. We believe that justice will be done.”
