George Gwaze was tried and acquitted in 2008 and 2012 after the death of his adopted daughter 10-year-old Charlene Makaza.

Charlene was rushed to hospital in a terrible state in January 2007 and died after her little body effectively shut down due to massive infection - doctors and experts unable to do anything to save her. 

Her family - who had moved to New Zealand from Zimbabwe for a better life - were scrutinised by police and the public. 

George Gwaze was then charged with sexually violating and suffocating Charlene to death. 

He maintained his innocence and after a trial - where the Crown argued murder and the defence argued death by HIV-related symptoms  - was found not guilty by a jury.

In an unprecedented move the Crown appealed the acquittal to New Zealand's highest court and won. A retrial was ordered.

This episode of A Moment In Crime I cover Charlenes death, the sad aftermath and the trials. 

This episode refers to child sexual abuse and violence and may be upsetting - it is intended for a mature audience.

If the content raises any issues for you - please see below for a list of help and crisis agencies.

READ MORE:

Acquitted uncle tells his story 

Gwaze relieved by not guilty verdict

Retrial ordered for murder accused

Gwaze trial miscarriage of justice - Solicitor General 

George Gwaze on trial for rape, murder of his niece

Gwaze trial - medical staff feared child had meningitis 

Gwaze trial: police describe detailed scene exam

For more on Felicity Goodyear-Smith and her book The Murder That Wasn't, published in 2015 - visit goodyearsmith.com or click here. 

DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email [email protected]
For more information visit safetotalk.nz

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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