Madonna takes custody of boy from Malawi after receiving interim approval for adoption

RAPHAEL TENTHANI

Associated Press Writer

Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie took custody of a motherless 1-year-old boy from Malawi on Thursday after filing adoption papers and receiving a judge's interim approval.

The boy's father said he was happy for his son, named David, and pleased with the celebrity couple who wants to be his parents.

Yohame Banda, the father, said he met Madonna and her filmmaker husband at the court as part of the formalities.

"They are a lovely couple," Banda said. "She asked me many questions. She and her husband seem happy with David. I am happy for him. Madonna promised me that as the child grows she will bring him back to visit."

Madonna has yet to comment publicly since her arrival in Malawi on Oct. 4, though she has made several public appearances in support of projects she supports here to care for AIDS orphans.

Judge Andrew Nyirenda "has just given out an interim order" allowing Madonna to take David, said Thomson Ligowe, a court registrar. The interim order allows the couple to take the boy home.

Malawi law does not allow for inter-country adoptions, and generally requires people who want to adopt to spend 18 months being evaluated by Malawian child welfare workers. Malawian officials had indicated earlier such restrictions would be waived for Madonna and Ritchie, but refused to elaborate Thursday.

Penston Kilimbe, director of child welfare services in the Ministry of Gender, Child Welfare and Community Services, had said earlier that Madonna and Ritchie filed adoption papers before a judge at the Lilongwe High Court.

"They have followed the normal processes. This has been going on for some time. Now this is the completion point," he said.

Madonna and her filmmaker-husband have a son, Rocco, 5, and the singer also has a daughter, Lourdes, 9.