DAILY RECORD

MADONNA'S bid to adopt an African toddler was in chaos last night after the government in the boy's homeland banned an official from flying to London to decide the case.

A senior child welfare officer from David Banda's native Malawi had been due to visit the pop queen and husband Guy Ritchie to assess whether they are suitable parents.

But the official, Penstone Kilembe, has now been forbidden from making the journey. Government ministers have accused him of obtaining an air ticket and money from Madonna without their approval.

The government have promised to send another official to London.

But critics claim only Kilembe can decide the case because he was personally appointed by Malawi's high court.

Kilembe denied suggestions that he asked Madonna for an air ticket.

And he claimed: "What this means is that the whole adoption process may crumble and David may be sent back to his village."

Madonna took David home last October when he was 13 months old. His father, Yohane Banda, had put him in an orphanage because he could not care for him.

The High Court of Malawi appointed Kilembe to travel to Britain.

Judges planned to rely on his testimony next year, when they are due to rule on whether Madonna should be allowed to adopt David permanently.

MIRROR.CO.UK
Madonna's attempt to adopt a Malawian baby could be scuppered after a court-appointed official was refused permission to travel to Britain to assess her suitability.

A newspaper in the African country said Children's Minister Kate Kainja had accused Penstone Kilembe of obtaining an air ticket and money from Madonna without approval - and said someone else would now make the trip.

Human rights lawyer Justin Dzonzi said the decision could halt the adoption process. Pop star Madonna, 48, brought David Banda to the UK last October when he was 13 months old

Source: Drowned Madonna