Father of African girl that Madonna wants to adopt tells CBS that he can care for her

Girl’s father does not want Madonna to adopt her

NEW YORK — The father of a girl from Malawi whom Madonna hopes to adopt says he’s capable of taking care of his daughter.

James Kambewa (kam-BEH’-wah) is believed to be the biological father of Chifundo (chee-FOON’-doh) “Mercy” James. He told CBS News in an interview to be broadcast Monday on “The Early Show” that he does not want the pop star to adopt the 4-year-old.

Kambewa also says he had never met his daughter and has only seen her picture in newspapers and on television.

Madonna’s spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Madonna’s appeal of a court ruling denying her request to adopt the girl is to be heard Monday in Malawi. The singer has already adopted a son, David, from Malawi.