The Press
January 23 2007

DNA key to deciding if intruder killed girl

Police believe Charlene Makaza was not raped before her death.

They believe DNA results will tell them if an intruder entered the Christchurch house where the 10-year-old Zimbabwean girl suffered her fatal injuries.

Charlene was at her two- storey Hollyford Avenue, Bryndwr, home with her 12-year-old sister, Charmaine, her aunt and uncle, Sifiso and George Gwaze, and their 24-year-old son, George, and 20-year-old daughter, Nothando, when she was the victim of a sexual assault and suspected suffocation on January 6.

She died in Christchurch Hospital the next day from her injuries.

Police say they have found no evidence of an intruder, but refuse to rule it out.

Inquiry head Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston said yesterday DNA evidence would show if there was an intruder.

He said DNA was only one part of the investigation.

He did not believe Charlene was raped, and would not comment on speculation she was the victim of an attempted female circumcision.

"It's just something we don't want to go into. We are not going to speculate. Her injuries are consistent with a violent sexual assault," he said.

South Island Zimbabwean Association secretary Taz Mukorombindo rejected suggestions that myths about sex with virgins curing HIV/ Aids held sway in Zimbabwe.

"It may be a common belief in South Africa, but not our country. Whether it's of any relevance here is quite debatable," he said. He was also unaware of female circumcision being used in Zimbabwe.

Johnston said there were still no specific suspects.

"We are preparing for a long investigation and we are determined to leave no stone unturned," he said. "We are continuing to work with the family and get as much background about Charlene as we can."