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Philemon Mulala killed by his dogs: Former Zambia international’s wife says she never believed her ‘staffie or pitbull’ crosses would turn vicious as she reveals they fatally mangled her face and throat
- Philemon Mulala, 60, was found dead in his garden in South Africa by his wife
- Lillian Chile said he was lying on his stomach with his hands covering his face.
- Mulala played six times for the Zambia national team and scored three goals.
- He helped his country win the 1984 East and Central African Championship.
The wife of former Zambian international footballer Philemon Mulala, who found him dead in his back garden after being attacked by his dogs, said she had no idea they would turn violent.
Lillian Chile revealed that the mestizos had bitten her throat and that she also had wounds on her face.
Mulala, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene on January 7 in Lichtenburg, South Africa.
Police said Chile was busy on the other side of the house when she heard the dogs barking.
Philemon Mulala, 60, was found dead in the garden of his South African home after being mutilated by his three dogs.
Chileella told New24 that she was baking scones with a family friend on Saturday when she wondered where her husband was and called him.
She revealed that she found him lying face down with his hands covering his face.
According to police spokesman Sam Tselanyane: “She didn’t bother to go and check what was wrong as her house is situated on a busy street and dogs frequently bark at passing pedestrians and vehicles.” Also, after her power was restored, she allegedly went into her house looking for her husband, but she couldn’t find him.
She added: “She then rushed outside only to find her husband was bitten by their dogs – two staffie/pitbull mixes and a dog of unknown breed. Police and emergency medical rescue services were called and the man was certified dead at the scene.
The dogs, named Prosper, Blessing and Bulldozer, have lived with the family since they were puppies, according to the publication.
The general secretary of the Zambian football association said the country still has “wonderful memories” of the deceased player.
Chileella noticed that both she and her husband loved dogs very much.
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 former Copper Bullets star, who spent time with Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs in his playing days.
Mulala scored several goals for the Zambia national team and played in various roles 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.
The Zambia Football Association hastened 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 Zambia national soccer team, which is 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.
Zambia Football Association General Secretary Adrian Kashala said: ‘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.”
The Zambia national team is now being coached by former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham manager Avram Grant.