Thembinkosi Lorch has been dealt another blow after Orlando Pirates management resolved to suspend him from club activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the club said it was commencing with internal processes.
This after Lorch was handed a suspended jail sentence and fined R100 000 on Tuesday for assaulting his girlfriend.
The club said its move is consistent with the Orlando Pirates’ rules and pledge articulated in a statement issued when the legal proceedings commenced.
“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,” reads a statement which was issued on Wednesday.
“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 December 12.”
Unfit to possess a firearm
Lorch appeared in the Randburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday morning and, on top of the suspended jail sentence he received, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act.
In June, the same court found him guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm for strangling and hitting his girlfriend three years ago.
The midfielder was handed a three-year direct imprisonment which was suspended for five years with conditions.
During the suspended five years, the court said Lorch should not be convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
It also ordered the soccer player to pay R100 000 to People Opposing Women Abuse, a non-profit organisation that campaigns against gender-based violence.
He was instructed to pay the first R50 000 on Tuesday and is expected to settle the balance in tranches of R10 000 every month.
Lorch’s then-girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala opened a case of assault against the soccer star in September 2020.
Lorch was arrested a day after the case was opened and released on R2 000 bail.
