Thamsanqa Gabuza the Latest Footballer to Be Arrested in South Africa for Crime Against Women

Thamsanqa Gabuza the Latest Footballer to Be Arrested in South Africa for Crime Against Women

Jarryd Westerdale
updated at November 22, 2023 at 3:29 PM
In this article:
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  • Thamsanqa Gabuza handed himself over to South African police on November 21
  • The charges relating to an incident with a woman were opened in Johannesburg
  • Fellow footballer Thembinkosi Lorch was sentenced yesterday on a guilty verdict

Veteran South African football star, Thamsanqa Gabuza is facing a legal battle.

The TS Galaxy midfielder was detained overnight after being wanted on charges related to a domestic violence incident earlier in the month.

The alleged victim claimed that Gabuza escorted her home and upon arrival, she rejected his advances, which led to the violent incident.

Thamsanqa Gabuza, arrested, sexual misconduct.
Thamsanqa Gabuza handed himself over to police on Tuesday and appeared in court on Wednesday following accusations of sexual misconduct. Photo: @AdvoBarryRoux.
Source: Twitter

The former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United player was set for a court appearance on November 22 after allegedly forcing himself on a 31-year-old, who claims he broke her mobile phone.

In a curious twist to the accusations, the woman claims she met thefootballer in 2021 but after a failed romance, they became friends. Gabuza, however, claims his accuser is actually his wife.

Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the Gauteng police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest to Sunday World, stating:

"The suspect handed himself to the police yesterday. He is due to appear before Alexandra Magistrates' Court."

Gabuza has a history of legal issues, as SoccerLaduma reports that when he was with Orlando Pirates, he was accused of domestic violence by his spouse in 2017.

Based on stats released by the South African Police Service, a total of 13,090 sexual offences were reported in South Africa between July and September 2023. Of those, 2,620 were committed in the Gauteng province.

As Gabuza's court appearance, he was granted R3 000 bail.

Some social media users are already showing him support, posting on X:

@ChrisExcel102 said:

"We stand with Gabuza in these difficult times. Innocent until proven guilty."

@sefothakarabel posted:

"Stand with Gabuza until the court says he is guilty!!"

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Lorch handed three-year sentence

Sports Brief recently reported on Lorch's sentencing at the Randburg Magistrates' Court.

He was found guilty in June on a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The Orlando Pirates playmaker has been given a suspended three-year prison sentence.

Authors
Jarryd Westerdale photo
Jarryd Westerdale
Jarryd Westerdale (based in Johannesburg) joined Sports Brief after four years in the community journalism sphere. He is a two-time Alet Roux Award winner and was a finalist in multiple categories at the Forum of Community Journalism Excellence Awards.
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