Philemon Mulala killed by his dogs: The former Zambian international’s wife says she never believed her ‘staffie or pit bull’ mix breeds would turn vicious as she reveals they fatally ravaged his face and throat
- Philemon Mulala, 60, was found dead in his garden in South Africa by his wife
- Lillian Chileshe said he was lying face down and covering his face with his hands
- Mulala played six times for the Zambian national team and scored three goals
- He helped his country win the East and Central African Championship in 1984
The wife of former Zambian international Philemon Mulala, who found him dead in his back garden after being mauled by his dogs, said she had no idea they were going to turn vicious.
Lillian Chileshe revealed the crossbreeds had bitten his throat and he also sustained injuries to his face.
Mulala, 60, was pronounced dead on the spot on January 7 in Lichtenburg, South Africa.
Police said Chileshe was busy on the other side of the house when she heard dogs barking.
Philemon Mulala, 60, was found dead in the garden of his South African home after being mauled by his three dogs
Chileshe said she was baking scones with a family friend on Saturday when she called and wondered where her husband was.
Then she found him lying face down, his hands covering his face.
Police spokesman Sam Tselanyane said: “She hasn’t bothered to check what’s going on as her home is on a busy street and the dogs frequently bark at pedestrians and passing vehicles. Also, after the power was restored, she reportedly went inside to look for her husband but could not find him.”
He added: “She then quickly went outside only to find her husband had been bitten by their dogs – two Staffie or Pitbull crossbreeds and a dog of unknown breed. Police and emergency medical services were called and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dogs named Prosper, Blessing and Bulldozer have lived with the family since they were puppies.
Pictured: A pit bull (file photo). Police said Mulala was bitten by two Staffie or Pitbull crossbreeds and a dog of unknown breed
Chileshe remarked that she and her husband both loved the dogs dearly.
However, they have since been removed from the property by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Tributes have been paid to the ex-Copper Bullets star, who spent time with Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs during his playing days.
Mulala scored several goals for Zambia’s national team and played in various positions throughout his career including left-back and right wing.
Perhaps the defining moment of his career came when he scored a brace against Kenya in the semi-finals of the East and Central African Championships that his side would go on to win.
The general secretary of the Zambian Football Association said the country remains “with wonderful memories” of the late player
The Zambian FA were quick to pay tribute to their late former player who helped bring his first silverware.
Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said: “It’s such a tragic ending. Many who have been watching him, particularly Mufulira Wanderers fans, have poured out their sorrow.
“Many remember him from the national team days, when he won Zambia’s first major post-independence silver prize. [Since retiring] he had ventured into business in South Africa.’
The general secretary of the Football Association of Zambia, Adrian Kashala, said: “We have a wonderful memory of being honored on the pitch by the late Philemon.
“There is much that today’s players can learn from the generation that died.”
Zambia’s national team is now coached by former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham boss Avram Grant.