Newstalk ZB
May 21 2008; 16:36

Christchurch man cleared of murdering niece

A High Court jury has found Christchurch man George Gwaze not guilty of the sexual violation and murder of his 10-year-old niece.

His defence argued Charlene Makaza died of natural causes related to her HIV condition in January 2007. It said that condition also caused the injuries that raised police suspicions.

The Crown alleged Charlene was brutalised, then suffocated to keep her quiet.