A well-known Limpopo medical doctor, Dr Justice Mulaudzi, who has become a familiar sight at the courts of late, is in hot water once again.

Mulaudzi (41) of Makwarela Extension 3, who is also a senior clinical manager at Hayani Hospital, now faces a third charge of rape. This time around, he is alleged to have raped a 33-year-old neighbour and family friend. He is alleged to have raped the victim on three occasions in 2011.

On all three occasions, Mulaudzi is alleged to have had sexual intercourse forcefully with the victim at her home. Although the alleged rapes were committed last year, they were only reported this year and Mulaudzi was arrested on 25 July.

He appeared in court on Thursday and his case was postponed to Monday for a formal bail application. The bail application, which took the most part of the day, was postponed to Friday (today) after it was realised that there was insufficient time to complete it.

Under cross-examination, Mulaudzi stated that the alleged victim was a family friend and they had undertaken trips together as families on occasion. He said it took him by surprise to learn that the woman had laid charges against him. He also confirmed that they belong to the same prayer cell, of which he is one of the leaders.

At the close of business, the state, represented by Adv Christopher Burke, indicated the state's intention to have Mulaudzi's R30 000 bail for the Ha Makuvha rape case cancelled, on the grounds that he had allegedly committed another similar offence while out on bail. Mulaudzi hit the headlines last year, when he was arrested after a patient at Ha Makhuvha accused him of raping her while he was treating her. He was later released on R30 000 bail.

Mulaudzi also stands accused of yet another rape, allegedly committed when he offered a lift to a pregnant church member from Polokwane to Louis Trichardt. The incident is alleged to have taken place on 28 June and he handed himself over to the police on 13 July. He is out on bail of R2 000 on that charge and scheduled to appear in court on 29 August in connection with the matter.

In 2006, Mulaudzi was also accused of having raped a colleague at Malamulele Hospital where he was employed at the time. The case was withdrawn in 2007, due to insufficient evidence.

Adv Anton Ramaano represents Mulaudzi.