Former Zambian international, Philemon Mulala, 60, was found dead in Lichtenburg, South Africa, on January 7.
He has been mauled to death by his three pet dogs, with his wife discovering the sport star’s body at the couple’s family home.
The three dogs involved in the attack were removed from the property shortly after by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Clarifying details surrounding the incident, Police spokesperson Sam Tsulanyane said: ‘She did not bother to go and check what was wrong [when the dogs were barking] as their house is situated on a busy street and the dogs frequently barked at pedestrians and vehicles passing by.’
‘After the electricity was restored [after loadshedding], she went inside looking for her husband, but could not find him.
He added: ‘Police and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were called and the man was certified dead at the scene.
‘The SPCA were also called and the three dogs were removed from the premises.
‘The Zambian FA were quick to pay tribute to the footballing star following the news, reflecting on his contributions to the national side that helped earn the country their first piece of silverware.
‘The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning former Mufulira Wanderers and Zambia National Team star Philemon Mulala,’ they wrote.
Now, an inquest has been opened.
The player helped his country win the 1984 East and Central African Championship, making six international appearances for his country, and playing for Copper Bullets, Mufulira Wanderers and Cape Town Spurs during his career.
In six appearances for Zambia, he managed three goals, and played 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 in the semi-final of the East and Central African Championship (CECAFA), which his side would go on to win.
