Not guilty: The murder trials of George Gwaze
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.
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