Former Zambia international’s wife says she never believed dogs that killed him would turn vicious

The wife of former Zambian international footballer Philemon Mulala, who found him lying dead in his back garden after being mauled by his dogs, has said she had no idea that they would turn vicious.

Lillian Chileshe revealed that the crossbreeds had bitten his throat and that he had also sustained injuries to his face.

Mulala, 60, was declared dead on the scene on January 7, in Lichtenburg, South Africa.

Police said Chileshe had been busy on the other side of the house when she heard dogs barking.

Chileshe said she was baking scones with a family friend on Saturday when she wondered where her husband was and called out to him.

She then found him lying face down with his hands covering his face.

Police spokesperson Sam Tselanyane said: ‘She didn’t bother to go and check what was wrong as their house is situated on a busy street and the dogs are frequently barking at pedestrians and vehicles passing by. Moreover, after the electricity was restored, she allegedly went inside the house looking for her husband, but could not find him.’

He added: ‘She then quickly went outside only to find that her husband was bitten by their dogs – two staffie or pitbull crossings and one unknown breed dog. Police and emergency medical rescue services were called and the man was certified dead at the scene.’

The dogs, named Prosper, Blessing and Bulldozer, had lived with the family since they were puppies. 

Pictured: A pitbull (file photo).  Police said Mulala was bitten by two staffie or pitbull crossings and one unknown breed dog

Chileshe noted that she and her husband had 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 at Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs. 

Mulala played in a number of positions throughout his career, including left back and right-wing.

Arguably the defining moment of his career came when he scored a brace against Kenya for Zambia’s national team in the semi-final of the East and Central African Championship, which his side would go on to win. 

The General Secretary of the Zambian football association said the country remains ‘with wonderful memories’ of the deceased player

The Zambian FA were quick to pay tribute to their deceased former player.

Spokesperson Sydney Mungala said: ‘It’s such a tragic end. Many who watched him, especially fans of Mufulira Wanderers, have been pouring out their grief.

‘Many remember him from the national team days, where he won Zambia’s first major post-independence silverware. [Since retiring] he had ventured into business in South Africa.’

Football Association of Zambia General Secretary Adrian Kashala said: ‘We remain with wonderful memories that the late Philemon honoured us with on the pitch. 

‘There is a lot that today’s players can learn from the deceased’s generation.’

Zambia’s national team is now being coached by former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham boss Avram Grant.