Pirates Issue Statement On Lorch After Court Decision

Orlando Pirates have issued a statement on Thembinkosi Lorch after a court decision on his prolonged case has finally come out. 

Yesterday, Lorch appeared before the Randburg Magistrate's Court and was handed a three-year direct imprisonment order which was suspended for five years and with strict conditions.

Read: Gabuza In Trouble With The Law, Court Date Set 

He was further fined R100 000, and all this was a result of being initially found guilty in June of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after strangling and hitting his then girlfriend in 2020.  

Pirates issued a statement on the club's official website and it reads:

"Orlando Pirates Football Club has noted the conclusion of legal proceedings involving our player, Thembinkosi Lorch. 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."

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"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."  

Read: 'Pitso Started Sundowns Winning Culture' 

"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."

"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 clubs value system play out without hindrance," concludes the statement.