Radio NZ
May 12 2008; 11:15
Innocent explanation possible
A DNA expert
has told a High Court jury in Christchurch it is possible the male DNA found in
the underwear of a 10 year old girl has an innocent explanation for being
there.
Crown
witness Susan Vintiner is being cross examined as the
trial of 56-year-old George Gwaze (gwar-zay) enters
its third week.
Mr Gwaze is
accused of the murder and sexual violation of his niece, Charlene Makaza, in
Christchurch last year.
But the
defence says there was no sexual assault and the 10 year old died of natural
causes.
This morning
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.