The Press
January 31 2007

Police canvass slain girl's neighbours

By Mike Steere

Christchurch police investigating the death of 10-year-old Charlene Makaza are going back to her neighbourhood in search of clues to her mystery killing.

A team of 18 officers is canvassing homes in the Hollyford Avenue-Hooker Avenue area of Bryndwr where the Zimbabwean girl lived before she died on January 7.

Police believe Charlene died of suffocation, possibly after a violent sexual assault.

Inquiry head Detective Inspector Malcolm Johnston said police hoped to speak to people who knew Charlene and may have known of concerns she had about her safety.

"We are interested in hearing from anyone who knew Charlene or spoke to her before her death to establish if she told anyone of any concerns she may have had," he said.

Johnston declined to comment when asked if any evidence had been found of any earlier sexual assaults on Charlene.

"This is just a comprehensive canvass of friends and neighbours to see if there is someone she may have confided in," he said.

Residents yesterday told The Press police had asked for a statement from everyone in Hollyford Avenue. Johnston said police were still waiting on DNA and toxicology test results to complete the post-mortem report.