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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