BORN IN A TREE, FLOODED WITH GIFTS, ROBBED BY DAD

MAPUTO, Mozambique

- A court yesterday revoked parental rights of the father of a girl who was born in a tree during devastating flooding in 2000. The court ruled that he had sold gifts given to his daughter.

Rosita Cherindza, now 7, became Mozambique's most famous baby when she was rescued from floodwaters as a newborn, drawing international attention. Well-wishers responded by sending her gifts.

Yesterday, a district court ruled that her father, Salvador Mabuiango, cheated her by selling off all the donated goods. The court entrusted Rosita's possessions to her mother, Sofia Carolina Cherindza.

Rosita's birth made headlines during floods that killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands. A helicopter crew rescued Rosita and her mother shortly after the girl was born high up in a tree.

The government promised to help Rosita and her family, providing them with a new house, furniture, a farm and four oxen. Bank accounts were set up for Rosita's education.

However, the court found that Mabuiango sold the goods - including the livestock, a refrigerator, a generator and a solar panel.

Rosita's mother said she had been unable to intervene. "He would beat me up when I reprimanded him about the matter," she said. *