The Press
January 8 2007

Death of girl, 10, a 'mystery'
by Joanna Davis

Police are describing the death of a 10-year-old Christchurch girl at the weekend as a complete mystery, and have started a homicide investigation.

Charlene Makaza died in Christchurch Hospital early yesterday morning after what police said was a suspected suffocation.

Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston, of the Christchurch police, said she was found in bed by her aunt and uncle at their home in Hollyford Avenue, Bryndwr, on Saturday morning with breathing difficulties.

Her condition deteriorated throughout the day and she died shortly after 1am yesterday without regaining consciousness.

The girl's death is one of six fatalities in the South Island since Friday evening, including road, farm and diving accidents. It was a toll police southern communications inspector Doug Parker described as not only tragic but unusual.

In the girl's case, Johnston said the aunt and uncle had cared for Charlene and her 12-year-old sister since they were young. The girls' parents had died.

Johnston said a post-mortem showed the 10-year-old appeared to have been suffocated.

"The pathologist does not believe it's from natural causes," he said.

Johnston said police were no closer to identifying how the girl sustained her injuries.

"It's a real mystery," he said. "We've spoken to all family and are no closer to finding out what's happened to this young girl."

Charlene's sister was now staying with friends, while the aunt and uncle are staying at a separate address.

Police have cordoned the house for a scene examination.

"We don't believe the house was broken into but it's early days and a scene examination will determine that one way or another," Johnston said.

Neighbours said the long- term tenants of the two-storey, weatherboard home were a Zimbabwean family. A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the family were good, quiet neighbours.

South Island Zimbabwe Association secretary general Taz Mukorombindo said the occupants of the house where the incident happened were a "normal, lovely family". He had visited the home for a barbecue several weeks ago.

The man was studying veterinary science and the woman was a caregiver.

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CAPTION:

Scene examination: investigators prepare to enter the Bryndwr home yesterday. Photo: David Hallett