http://www.newswire.co.nz/main/viewstory.aspx?storyid=361102

newswire.co.nz
March 1 2007; 12:11

Charlene Makaza's Murder Accused reappears

A man accused of killing a Zimbabwean girl today made another brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court.

George Evans Gwaze, 54, is charged with murdering his niece Charlene Makaza, aged 10, between January 5 and 7. He also faces two charges of sexually violating her.

Gwaze was today remanded in custody until the end of March for a further pre-depositions conference.

He smiled and waved to members of his family in the public gallery on entering and leaving the court.

At his last appearance, his lawyer, Johnathan Eaton, said Mr Gwaze categorically denied the charges.

Charlene died in Christchurch Hospital, a day after being found unconscious in her bed at the house where she was living with her adoptive parents.