Police statement following verdict in Operation Holly (Gwaze) trial

Police would like to acknowledge the very difficult time that Charlene's families have been through - both the Makaza family in Zimbabwe, and the Gwaze family in Christchurch.

They have been through a great deal during the investigation and prosecution over the past five years, and we again express our sympathy to them over the loss of Charlene.

I also acknowledge the exemplary medical treatment that Charlene received from medical staff, both at the Christchurch 24-Hour Surgery and at Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.

The expertise and assistance of a large number of specialists and expert witnesses has also been highly valued by Police over the course of this and previous prosecutions.

Police will not be making any comment on the verdict.