S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-660

Before or during the trial of a person charged with rape or assault with intent to ravish, when the female who is alleged to have been assaulted is a witness, the judge of the court in which the case is to be tried may, in his discretion, by an order direct that the deposition of such witness be taken at a time and place designated in such order within the county in which the trial is to be had upon such notice to the accused as the judge may direct.