Three News
February 3 2007

Makaza's uncle appears in court for her murder

The uncle of 10-year-old Charlene Makaza has appeared in court this morning charged with the Christchurch girl's murder.

The Zimbabwean girl died in hospital last month after she was found in her bed, unconscious and struggling to breathe.

Police later revealed Charlene had suffered horrific injuries from a violent sexual attack about the time she was suffocated.

In the Christchurch District Court today, 54-year-old George Evans Gwaze was refused interim name suppression.

The short, stocky man with curly black hair, faces two charges of sexual violation and one of murder.

Several members of Charlene's family were in court for the brief hearing, during which Gwaze was remanded in custody until Wednesday.