Madonna's Adopted Son's 'Mama' Dies

The woman who helped raise MADONNA's adopted son DAVID BANDA in his native Malawi has died.

Asineti Mwale helped the tot's father Yohane Banda bring up the child following the death of David's biological mother shortly after his birth in 2005.

The 60-year-old passed away on Sunday (11Aug08) after losing her battle with pneumonia.

Mwale, who was referred to as 'Mama' by the Banda family, supported Yohane's difficult decision to put David in the Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi, where Madonna spotted him when in the country on charity work.

It is also reported she fully championed Madonna's decision to adopt the tot.

A relative of Banda tells People.com, "Mama Asineti died last night. Burial is tomorrow."

After the birth of Yohane's son with new wife Flora earlier this year (08), Mwale told reporters, "I wish David would come to see me before I die. I hope he will one day come to see his brother."

The controversial adoption was finalised at Malawi's High Court in May (08) - 20 months after pop superstar and her husband Guy Ritchie were granted an interim order allowing them to take the baby back to their London home.