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The nine family members charged over the death of Janet Moses in Wainuiomata in October 2007 - Source: ONE News -
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More details have been revealed on Wednesday of the day a young woman was killed while her family was performing a makutu or curse lifting ritual.
For the first time, media can also name the nine family members charged over the death of Janet Moses in Wainuiomata in October 2007.
Suppression lapsed at midday Wednesday for John Tahana Rawiri, 49, Georgina Aroha Rawiri, 50, Tanginoa Apanui, 42, Hall Jones Wharepapa, 46, Angela Orupe, 36, Gaylene Tangiohororere Kepa, 44, Aroha Gwendoline Wharepapa, 48, and Alfred Hughes Kepa, 48, and Glenys Lynette Wright, 52, all deny charges of the manslaughter of Janet Moses, 22.
A man and a woman have also denied ill-treating a 14-year-old girl, causing her unnecessary harm. They have been granted permanent name suppression.
The 14-year-old gave harrowing evidence on Wednesday, telling how relatives also forced water down her throat during an exorcism.
During the ceremony, which lasted several days, Moses was restrained while family members poured water into her eyes and down her throat to exorcise an evil spirit.
Defence lawyers for the group say the family believed they were trying to help her and none were acting with any criminal intent.
The trial started in the High Court at Wellington on Monday and is set down for four to six weeks.
Young girl gives harrowing evidence
On Wednesday, the trial has heard evidence from the 14-year-old girl, who almost died as well. The court saw and heard a video taped statement from the girl.
The nine members of Janet's extended family showed little emotion.
The girl talked for over two hours about how Janet Moses was held down by members of the family as water was poured into her eyes.
The girl said one of the group turned their attention on her because they thought she had an evil look on her face.
The explanation the family members gave her for her being held down was that there was a demon inside and it wasn't Janet that was doing the fighting, it was the demon who was fighting them and that's why she had to be held down.
The girl also talked about how she was restrained, water was poured into her eyes and then everything went black.
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