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Former Zambia international Philemon Mulala, 60, is mauled to death by his three dogs in the garden of his home in South Africa, and his wife discovers the former footballer.
Philemon Mulala died at the age of 60, after his wife found him in their garden after being bitten by their own dogs.
The former Zambia international footballer was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday, January 7, in Lichtenburg, South Africa.
Tributes have been paid to the former Copper Bullets star, who spent time with Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs in his playing days.
Philemon Mulala was found dead in the garden of his South African home after being mutilated by his three dogs
The three dogs have since been removed from the property by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A police statement, read by spokesman Sam Tsulanyane, described the circumstances under which his wife found his body.
It said: ‘She didn’t bother to go and check what was wrong [when the dogs were barking] as their home is situated on a busy street and the dogs frequently barked at passing pedestrians and vehicles.
‘After electricity was restored [after loadshedding]she went in search of her husband, but could not find him.
‘Continuing her search, the woman saw her husband lying motionless outside in the garden.
The general secretary of the Zambian football association said the country still has “wonderful memories” of the deceased player.
“Then he went outside, only to find out that the husband was bitten by his dogs.”
In six appearances for Zambia, he managed three goals and played in various positions throughout his career, including left-back and right-back.
Arguably the defining moment of his career came when he scored a brace against Kenya in the Central and East African Championship (CECAFA) semi-final, which his team would go on to win.
And the Zambia Football Association was quick to pay tribute to their late former player, who helped bring them his first piece of silverware.
Avram Grant has recently taken charge of the team ranked 88th in the world by FIFA.
Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said: ‘It’s such a tragic ending. Many who saw it, especially Mufulira Wanderers fans, expressed their grief.
‘Many remember him from his national team days, where he won Zambia’s first major silver medal after independence. [Since retiring] he had ventured into business in South Africa.
And FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala added: ‘We carry on with wonderful memories with which the late Philemon graced us on the pitch.
“There’s a lot that today’s players can learn from the deceased’s generation.”