Lorch overseas hopes in limbo following GBV arrest!

Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana star Thembinkosi Lorch may have dashed any hopes of a move to Europe following his arrest at  Midrand Police Station for Gender Based Violence allegations on Monday.

The South African Police Service's Captain Kay Makhubela confirmed in a statement that a 27-year-old prominent footballer was detained at the Midrand Police Station this morning.

“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.  

Following speculation on who the prominent footballer was, his club Orlando Pirates released the following statement confirming the allegations.

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is aware of an alleged incident involving Thembinkosi Lorch. 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." read the Buccaneers statement on their club website.

With very stringent criminal regulations regarding VISA approvals, it remains to be seen if these recent allegations will halt the troubled Bloemfontein born midfielder's ambitions of a move abroad.

These allegations follow on the back of an underpar season for Lorch, who was also recently suspended by the Mayfair club for reportedly breaching club BSE regulations along with Zambian teammate Justin Shonga, following a public outburst on his disappointment following failure to secure a move to Europe during the last winter transfer window.  

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the footballer will return to court next month after he was released on R2 000 bail.

"He has been released on bail. He will appear in court again on the 8th of October," confirmed Mjonondwane.