The boy died after the attack, the woman is accused of investigating the murder

A 25-year-old woman has been charged with assault.
photo: RNZ / Nate MacKinnon

A homicide investigation is underway following the death of an eight-year-old boy.

Police said on Saturday that a 25-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the attack, and at this stage they are not ruling out charges against others.

They were called to Phakatane Hospital at 5.30pm on Friday after the boy died.

The accused has been remanded in custody and is due to appear again in the Phakatane District Court on Wednesday.

“Today, an inspection of the scene will be conducted at the Te-Teko address,” the police said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call 105. contact them online or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote reference number 241115/2140.

“Any additional information will be released in advance as it becomes available.”

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