Bugs crucial to Tahani case conviction

Azees Mahomed and Tabbasum Mahomed. Photo / Greg Bowker

Police believe that bugging the home of slain 11-week-old Tahani Mahomed was crucial in dealing with her parents, who were stonewalling the homicide investigation.

The girl was admitted to the Starship hospital on December 28, 2007 with serious head injuries that were considered non-accidental.

Her father, Azees Mahomed, 31, and mother, Tabbasum Mahomed, 26, were the only suspects, but claimed they didn't know how Tahani was hurt.

In the High Court at Auckland yesterday, Azees Mahomed was found guilty of murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm and one of failing to provide the necessaries of life.

His wife was found guilty of failing to provide the necessaries of life, which was the only charge she faced.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Lynch, of Counties Manukau police, said it was clear from an early stage there were only two people who could have killed Tahani - her parents.

During police interviews, they insisted they didn't know how she was injured. This frustrated police, who wanted to "advance" the investigation.

"It was clear from very early on in the investigation they were non-accidental injuries and only two people could have inflicted them."

Asked how important the recorded conversations were, Mr Lynch replied: "They were certainly very useful."

Police have encountered a wall of silence from parents before.

In 2006, during the inquiry into the deaths of twin boys Chris and Cru Kahui, the babies' parents, Chris Kahui and Macsyna King, and other whanau members closed ranks and refused to speak to detectives about how the 3-month-olds had died.

Mr Lynch would not say when or why the decision was made to bug the Mahomeds. "I would prefer not to discuss investigation methods."

The bugs were planted on the day of Tahani's funeral. Her parents were heard expressing worries about what older daughter Tasmia would tell the police. "Daddy hit/kill, daddy/hit kill ... that's what she'll say."

They were heard coaching her on how to answer officers' questions.

Later, they spoke of police having "one big proof against us" because officers knew about Tahani being left in the car on a hot day.

On the day of the funeral, Azees Mahomed was heard praying to Allah for forgiveness.

The couple have been remanded in custody for sentencing next month.

Child, Youth and Family said Tasmia would stay with a caregiver until after the sentencing. A decision on her future would be made after her wider family had been consulted.