Pirates star Lorch released after ‘beating up his girlfriend’
ORLANDO Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch has been granted R2 000 bail after spending a night in jail following his arrest for allegedly beating up his girlfriend.
Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said the 27-year-old striker was accused of assaulting his partner at his Midrand home.
Players were released by their respective clubs at the weekend after the conclusion of the Premier Soccer League bio-bubble games, that ended with Mamelodi Sundowns being crowned champions.
Makhubela confirmed that police arrested the 2018/2019 season South African Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the year yesterday morning for the alleged assault.
“It is reported that the suspect allegedly physically assaulted the complainant after a verbal exchange between the two,” he said.
“The victim was allegedly rescued by the suspect’s friend, who was present at the time of the incident that is reportedly related to domestic violence.”
The club said: “This matter is currently in the hands of the authorities. We cannot comment further except to say that we condemn all forms of violence, especially violence against women and children.”
According to Sunday World, the player, a Bafana Bafana star, had a fallout with his girlfriend on Sunday evening.
The publication says a police statement documented by the player’s girlfriend, Nokhuphiwa Mathithibala, indicates that Lorch slapped and strangled her.
This is the second scandal involving the Buccaneers within a month.
Upon the resumption of the
Premier Soccer League in the bio-safety environment, Lorch and Justin Shonga were not part of the squad.
The team explained that the players were facing disciplinary action after they were found to have breached the “team’s protocols”.
Lorch later returned to the club after pleading guilty to all charges levelled against him.
However, no communication was given with regards to Shonga’s suspension.
The Zambian international did not feature for the Buccaneers at all, as they finished the season in 3rd place with 52 points.