First For Music News

NME News

Madonna's adoption hits snag

Madonna

Madonna

Official assigned to case is refused permission to travel

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.

Have your say on this story, head to NME.COM’s messageboards now and join the debate.

Madonna tickets:

Add your comment

 
 
Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday and Friday

  • Up-to-the-minute news stories
  • The best new music and free downloads
  • Video interviews, photo galleries, competitions and more
  • Album and track reviews for the week ahead
  • Essential gigs in your area