Thugs attack Mbulu in SA
South Africa-based Malawian footballer Richard Mbulu was on Tuesday morning attacked by knife-wielding thugs at his Polokwane base as he was returning from a Covid-19 test.
Narrating the ordeal in an interview yesterday, the Flames forward, who turns out for Baroka FC, said he was ambushed together with his two teammates at around 11AM when they had stopped over at a shop to buy foodstuffs.
Said Mbulu: “When we were done, we all headed towards our cars. As I was about open the door, six thugs pounced on me, demanding cash.
“I had no cash then. One searched in my pockets and found no cash, then he took my phone. In the process, he bit me on the hand because I was refusing to release it.”
Mbulu said his teammates advised him to let go of the phone when one thug released a gun.
“So, they went away with my Huawei phone and also grabbed another phone from my teammate.
“We went to police to record the statement and, thereafter, to a nearby hospital where I was treated as an outpatient. I have a scar on my left hand, but it is not serious” he said.
The incident occurred as his team is preparing to face Bloemfontein Celtic this Saturday in a Nedbank Cup semi-final tie.
But Mbulu said he is set for the match.
“Of course, I will see what my bosses will decide, but I am fine to play,” he said.
Over a decade ago, former Flames goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi was also attacked by thugs in South Africa while playing for Dynamos FC.