Radio NZ
May 12 2008; 15:26

Court hears DNA trace could have innocent cause

An expert witness has told a jury at the High Court in Christchurch there could be an innocent reason the DNA of a man was found in the underwear of the girl he is accused of sexually violating and murdering.

Charlene Makaza, aged 10, died in hospital last year and her uncle, George Gwaze, 56, is accused of killing her.

But the defence says there was no sexual assault and the child died of natural causes.

On Monday, ESR scientist Susan Vintiner conceded DNA from Mr Gwaze found in Charlene's underwear was not necessarily the aftermath of sexual activity.

She said Charlene's body was subjected to the most advanced DNA testing possible and no other male DNA was found anywhere on her skin or inside her.