The Press
June 29 2007

School to honour slain girl

The school of Christchurch homicide victim Charlene Makaza plans to honour her at a memorial service at the school today.

Charlene, 10, was found in bed at her Bryndwr home on January 6 with breathing difficulties, and she died the next day at Christchurch Hospital.

Police charged her uncle, George Gwaze, 54, with murdering and sexually violating her, and a depositions hearing has been set for next month.

Wairakei School principal Lee McArthur said that weather permitting, pupils would plant a tree in Charlene's memory.

McArthur earlier told The Press that Charlene was a friendly, kind and helpful pupil.

"She found it cold here but had adjusted. She was happy at school, she had friends at school and was really well-liked by everybody," he said.

"Charlene loved to talk and was always ready to share her stories with a good dose of humour.

"She was a good person with a great big smile."