Gwaze murder retrial date set

The retrial of George Evans Gwaze on charges of sexually violating and murdering his niece will start on March 14.

The details were issued by the High Court at Christchurch, where Gwaze's original trial took place more than two years ago.

Gwaze, 58, whose family has emigrated from Zimbabwe, was accused of the sexual violation of his 10-year-old niece Charlene Makasa at their home in Christchurch.

Her sudden death in January 2007 prompted a murder investigation.

The Crown said it was the result of suffocation during a sex attack, while the defence contended she died of an overwhelming infection arising from her HIV, a condition she had been born with.

Gwaze was acquitted in the four-week trial but the Supreme Court ordered a retrial four months ago.

- NZPA