Radio NZ
February 7 2007

Accused killer of Zimbabwean girl back in court again

The man accused of murdering his Zimbabwean niece reappeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday under heightened security.

George Evans Gwaze (gwar-zay), 54, was arrested on Friday.

Charlene Makaza, 10, died in Christchurch Hospital on January 7, a day after being found unconscious in her bed at her home in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwyr.

Four police officers stood between the dock and the public gallery when he appeared - a move that court staff say was due to intense public interest in the case.

Lawyer Johnathon Eaton told Judge Patricia Costigan his client categorically denied the charges.

He is accused of murder and also faces two charges of sexually violating the child. He will reappear in court next month