Orlando Pirates star midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch was arrested on Monday and charged with domestic violence after girlfriend Nokhupiwa Mathithibala accused the player of slapping and strangling her.
The 27-year-old allegedly committed the offence on Sunday a day after the league season was concluded, with players returning from the biosecure bubble.
Thembinkosi Lorch arrested
It was reported by the Sunday World that the Bafana star got violent after Mathithibala asked about his whereabouts, following his disappearance from his home for six hours.
Lorch was arrested and charged at the Midrand Police Station in the early hours of the morning.
“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,” police spokesperson, Kay Makhubele confirmed to the publication.
Kay Makhubela, police spokesperson
Orlando Pirates respond
Meanwhile Orlando Pirates have issued out a statement responding to the allegations involving the player.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is aware of an alleged incident involving Thembinkosi Lorch,” the club said.
“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.”
Orlando Pirates
This is the second time Lorch has found himself in hot water in the space of a month.
The player was disciplined by the club shortly after it entered the bubble for the league restart for violating the biosecure environment and missed the crucial clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
