R2 000 bail for dr Maanda Phidane

A Limpopo doctor facing rape charges was released on R2 000 bail on Monday, following his appearance at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court.

Dr Maanda Phidane (43) adds to the number of doctors who stand accused of rape. A prominent local doctor, Dr Justice Mulaudzi, a clinical manager at Hayani Hospital, is currently on trial in the Sibasa Regional Court on four counts of rape.

Some of those he is accused of having raped are patients who were allegedly raped while under his care. His case was adjourned last week and is to proceed on 6 May. So far, eight witnesses have testified for the state.

In the latest case, Phidane is alleged to have raped a 22-year-old woman, who had brought her child for treatment at his practise in Mukula.

Thohoyandou police spokesperson Maj Mashudu Malelo said the incident allegedly took place on 13 January this year. It is alleged that the victim was told to come back the following day, whereupon Phidane took her to another room, where he allegedly raped her.

It is alleged that after her ordeal, the victim complained of pains and was given R220 to go and consult another doctor. She was also allegedly given a promise of a job.

When the pains persisted, the woman told her mother and the matter was then reported to the police.

Phidane's case has been postponed to 15 April.

Date:08 March 2013

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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