Radio NZ
May 22 2008; 06:02

Christchurch man cleared of sex charges against niece

A Christchurch man has been found not guilty of the sexual violation and murder of his 10-year-old niece.

Charlene Makaza died in January last year. Her uncle, George Gwaze, was charged with her murder and sexual violation.

A jury on Wednesday cleared Mr Gwaze of the charges, prompting a loud uproar from his family.

His wife, Sifiso Gwaze, collapsed on the floor as other family members leapt up shouting: "Yes! God is good."

Mrs Gwaze says she always knew her husband was innocent.

The defence had said the 10 year old died of natural causes stemming from her HIV infection.

The jury delivered its verdict after deliberating for 3½ hours.