A 46-year-old male nurse attached to the Siloam Hospital was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. The specialized orthopaedic nurse, Mr Alfred Mamphye, is accused of repeatedly raping a minor.

According to the police report, the alleged incident occurred in December last year but was only reported last week. The spokesperson for the Siloam police, W/O Edward Tharaga, confirmed Mamphye's arrest. He said that the rape is alleged to have happened at Tshavhalovhedzi village in the Nzhelele area.

When appearing in court, Mamphye pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case was postponed to 3 March.

Mamphye is a community builder and an active member of the South African Communist Party. He is also the chairperson for the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa in the Vhembe District.

When contacted for comment, the deputy chairperson for the Siloam Hospital Board, Mr Mashudu Marubini, confirmed that the hospital board was aware of the rape charge that had been opened against Mamphye, but "whether he is guilty or not will be proved in court."

Mamphye briefly appeared before the Dzanani Magistrate's Court on Tuesday and the case was postponed.