Father jailed for life for killing 11-week-old daughter

WELLINGTON - A South African-born immigrant to New Zealand was jailed for life Tuesday for the murder of his 11-week-old baby girl who was starved and beaten to death, news reports said.

Azees Mahomed, 31, who was found guilty at the Auckland High Court last month, must serve at least 17 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

His wife, Tabbusum Mahomed, 31, was given four years in prison for failing to provide the necessaries of life to the baby, Tahani. She is to be deported to South Africa when released.

At last month’s trial, prosecutors said the child had suffered systematic abuse and would have spent the 11 weeks of her life in extreme pain before dying Jan 1, 2008, four days after being admitted to hospital.

She had several brain injuries, a broken shin bone and was severely malnourished, weighing only 4 kg, the court was told.