The Press
July 17 2007

Semen links Gwaze to murder scene, court told

DNA evidence connected a man to the violation and murder of his niece, a depositions hearing has been told.

George Evans Gwaze, 54, is charged with murdering his niece, Charlene Makaza, 10, and two counts of sexually violating the child, on January 6 in Christchurch.

At a Christchurch District Court depositions hearing yesterday, the court was told the girl was found unconscious in her bed on January 6.

She died later in Christchurch Hospital after never regaining consciousness.

ESR tests on semen found at the scene determined it was Gwaze's, prosecutor Kerryn Beaton told the hearing. Beaton said Charlene had gone to bed after going to church on the night of January 5.

She shared the home with other family members, including Gwaze and his wife, who had adopted her.

Gwaze's wife arrived home from work about 11.30pm and soon after spoke to Charlene through the door, and she said she was all right.

The family went to bed.

Gwaze's wife awoke at 5.30am and could hear Charlene breathing with difficulty. Charlene was found unconscious and unwell.

She was taken to a 24-hour surgery in Bealey Avenue and from there rushed to hospital by ambulance, where intensive efforts to revive her started. While in the intensive care unit it was noticed she had injuries consistent with sexual activity.

Charlene was found to have a severe hypoxic brain injury and suffered multiple organ failure, dying the next day without regaining consciousness about 18 hours after being found, Beaton said.

A pathologist found death was due to asphyxia to the point of unconsciousness, although there was no evidence of manual strangulation.

Genital injuries were found to be severe, but did not cause death in themselves, Beaton said.

Police took DNA samples from people in the house in order to exclude a stranger entering.

A search found soiled bedding and clothing, including underwear, in a washing machine. ESR tests on semen in Charlene's underwear found it was Gwaze's.

When interviewed by police, Gwaze denied any role in what happened, Beaton said.

Questioned by Jonathan Eaton for the defence, a nurse said the staff's priority was stabilising Charlene's condition.

The hearing before Judge John Bisphan is expected to finish tomorrow after hearing evidence from 58 Crown witnesses, mostly in writing.