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.  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 334Text 4334Email [email protected] more information visit safetotalk.nz If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.</strong>            See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.