Newstalk ZB
April 28 2008; 16:21

Defence claims Makaza died of natural causes

Charlene Makaza

The lawyer for Christchurch man George Gwaze says he did not assault his niece Charlene Makaza, but she died of natural causes.

Gwaze faces two charges of unlawful sexual connection and one of murder in relation to the 10-year-old's death last January.

The Crown claims Charlene had horrific injuries caused by a violent sexual assault in her bed and was suffocated in a bid to quieten her down. She died later in hospital.

Gwaze's lawyer Jonathan Eaton denies the Crown's claims.

"She was not sexually assaulted at all. She was not murdered. She was not the victim of any criminal act. Charlene died of natural causes."

Mr Eaton says Charlene died from an overwhelming infection related to her HIV status.