Radio NZ
August 9 2007; 16:38

Bail refused for man accused of murdering niece

A bail application for a man accused of sexually violating and murdering his niece has been refused bail in the High Court in Christchurch today.

10-year-old Charlene Makaza died in January this year after being found unconscious in her bed by her aunt.

Her uncle, 54-year-old George Evans Gwaze, was charged three weeks later and has been in custody since that date.

All details of today's bail application, apart from the outcome, were suppressed by Justice Panckhurst.

A depositions hearing for Mr Gwaze took place in July.