By Staff Reporters, Tuesday January 1, 2013
The New York based Committee to Protect Journalist have
asked the Zambian authorities to thoroughly investigate the Congolese song-bird
Koffi Olomide for allegations of assault against a freelance photojournalist on
New Year’s eve concert in Lusaka.
According to eyewitnesses on the scene, the multi-award
winning artist, Koffi attacked Jean Ndayisenga at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel as the 44
years-old photographer tried to snap a picture of him, Ndayisenga a Rwandan
refugee in Zambia said, he was surprised that the musician of international
status like Olomide could behave in such way, “He kicked me in the face and my flash even got damaged. There a lot of
people and they saw what happened” explained the paparazzo.
He was admitted
to a local hospital and later reported to the nearest police station, news
report said. Police confirmed that a case was opened against the 58 years-old
artist but stopped short of details however the cops admitted that the matter
had been transferred to Lusaka Central Prison and they were investigating. In a
statement, the media watch-dog condemns the violent attack against the
paparazzi.
“A photographer should not be subjected to assault while covering a
musical performance,” said Tom Rhodes, CPJ East Africa consultant. “We urge authorities to investigate this
reported attack and bring appropriate charges.”
Olomide who have faced similar charges back in his native, the
Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in Zambia to perform three shows, two in
the capital Lusaka, one in Kitwe.
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