Radio NZ
July 16 2007; 12:32
Hearing begins for man accused of violating, suffocating niece
A depositions hearing is underway in
Christchurch where a man stands accused of the murder and sexual assault of his
10-year-old neice.
George Evan Gwaze (Gwa-zay) was arrested earlier this year following the death
of Charlene Makaza.
The girl died in hospital where she
was taken after being found unconscious in her bedroom, and a post mortem
showed she died of asphyxiation.
Medical staff alerted police after
finding Charlene had severe anal injuries.
Subsequent DNA testing on her
clothing found semen belonging to her uncle George Gwaze.
The crown says Mr Gwaze violated the
girl and then suffocated her - he denies the charges