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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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 support@safetotalk.nz
For more information visit safetotalk.nz

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