Orlando Pirates, a renowned Premier Soccer League (PSL) team, has recently received backlash on social media for their statement regarding Thembinkosi Lorch’s conviction for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala. Lorch, a star player for the team, was found guilty by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for the incident that occurred in September 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 23.
The Assault Case
Mathithibala had visited Lorch at his Midrand residence when the incident occurred. After spending time with friends, Lorch returned home and got into an argument with Mathithibala, which led to him assaulting and strangling her. Medical evidence corroborated Mathithibala’s account, indicating that Lorch was the aggressor.
Orlando Pirates’ Response
Orlando Pirates released a statement on their website acknowledging Lorch’s conviction. The club revealed that they had conducted an internal investigation in 2020, where Lorch pleaded guilty to assaulting Mathithibala. As a result, the team imposed a monetary fine and mandated Lorch to attend anger management classes, which he successfully completed. The club expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the therapy as a corrective measure.
However, the statement also mentioned that the club does not possess complete information about the conviction or sentencing date and has requested Lorch to provide these details. Orlando Pirates declared that no further comment would be made until the process is complete.
Backlash on Social Media
Orlando Pirates faced criticism on social media for their seemingly lenient response to Lorch’s actions. Critics argued that the club’s statement was inadequate, given the seriousness of the charges and Lorch’s confession to the assault. Many Twitter users expressed disbelief that Lorch is still part of the team and called on the club to either terminate his contract or suspend him indefinitely.
Importance of Addressing Gender-Based Violence
The handling of Lorch’s case has sparked a conversation about the importance of taking gender-based violence (GBV) seriously. The case highlights the responsibility that public figures carry, as they are often seen as role models for young people. Lorch’s actions and the response of his team send a message to society about the consequences, or lack thereof, for perpetrating GBV.
Accountability and Consequences
The question remains whether anger management therapy was enough to address the issue at hand. The public backlash and call for further action against Lorch indicate a growing intolerance for violence against women and a demand for more severe consequences for those found guilty. Sports organizations, including the Orlando Pirates, must recognize the impact of their actions and the message they send to society, particularly to those most vulnerable to GBV.
Creating a Safer and More Inclusive Environment
As the world continues to grapple with gender-based violence, cases like Lorch’s bring attention to the importance of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their status or position. With growing awareness and public outcry, the hope is that clubs take these issues more seriously and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
