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Hamilton District Court Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Baby Mustafa - Figure 1
Photo RNZ

A 22-year-old charged with the murder of a 10-month-old baby in Te Kūiti has appeared in Hamilton District Court.

The man did not enter a plea and was granted interim name suppression.

The summary of facts is also suppressed.

He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on 2 July at the High Court in Hamilton.

Mustafa Ali was taken unconscious to Te Kūiti Hospital last Saturday afternoon, but could not be revived.

Baby Mustafa - Figure 2
Photo RNZ

Family and friends buried Mustafa at the Te Kūiti Cemetery on Thursday. They gathered around the tiny grave, where a cross, flowers and soft toys were laid.

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said the child died of violent blunt-force trauma, and the police knew him from non-accidental injuries he received in October last year.

When announcing the arrest on Friday afternoon, he said further charges might be laid as inquiries continued.

Baby Mustafa - Figure 3
Photo RNZ

The police said Te Kūiti residents could continue to see officers in the area as the investigation continued.

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