Madonna's adoption hits snag

Madonna’s adoption of a Malawian baby has hit a snag.

The official assigned to the case was refused permission to travel to the UK.

Social worker Penstone Kilembe was due to monitor the child’s progress in two trips to Madonna’s home in London.

However he said that the Malawian government have now stopped the visits, with reports suggesting that a different official would now travel to London.

Kilembe, who is director of Malawi’s child welfare services, was appointed by the High Court of Malawi to check on the child’s welfare and report to the court and the ministry at least twice.

He said: “The whole adoption process may crumble and David (may be) sent back to his village.”

However, Malawi News reported that the country’s minister of Women And Child Development, Kate Kainja, accused Kilembe of obtaining an air ticket and money from Madonna without government approval, reports BBC News.

She said: “We feel Mr Kilembe personalised the whole issue when other people can go.”

However, Kilembe denied the accusations.

Madonna was granted an 18-month interim custody order which enabled her to take one year old David Banda out of Malawi last October.

The adoption will only receive final approval once it has been shown that the child is being properly cared for.

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