By MICHAEL CHAWE

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Controversial Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide failed to appear before Lusaka Magistrate court on Monday for trial over an alleged assault on a photojournalist.

Olomide, popularly known as Mopao, was expected to appear in person at the New Magistrates Complex at Lusaka before Mr M.N Sakala to answer an assault charge filed by Zambian photojournalist, Mr Jean Ndayisenga.

In December 2012, it is alleged that Olomide attacked Mr Ndayisenga before fleeing across the border to avoid arrest.

"Koffi's promoter in Zambia says the suspect could not come to court today [Monday] because he is in Zimbabwe for another musical function," state media reported.

Olomide’s promoter in Lusaka Mr Mark Mubalama has undertaken to bring the musician to court to answer the charge.

Mr Mubalama has asked the court to give him time to travel to Kinshasa, DR Congo — so that he can serve the summons to the rhumba star.

The case has been adjourned to August 23.

Mr Ndayisenga is privately prosecuting the matter after he was given greenlight by the country's chief prosecutor.

In 2016, Olomide was deported from Kenya following a public outcry over video footage of him assaulting a woman dancer.

After the Kenya debacle, the 62-year-old bad boy show in Lusaka was cancelled after public pressure.