The trial of Zimbabwean vet George Gwaze, accused of the rape and murder of his 10-year-old niece, began at the High Court in Christchurch today.
It took 20 minutes to empanel the jury of seven men and five women when the trial began at midday.
Gwaze, 60, wearing a black suit and tie, was read the charges and replied from the dock, "not guilty,'' slowly and deliberately to one count of murder and two of sexual violation.
Justice Christine French reminded the jurors that it was "crucially important that a jury comes to a trial with an open mind''.
The trial, expected to call more than 90 witnesses, is expected to take up to four weeks.
Charlene Makaza was living with her extended family in Christchurch - after being orphaned in Zimbabwe - when she was found unresponsive in her bed on January 6, 2007, and later died.
