The South African Police Service in the Free State held a funeral service on Saturday as colleagues, family and members of the media bade farewell to Sgt. Mahlomola Peter Kareli, a long-serving member of the provincial corporate communication and liaison component.
Trusted voice of provincial policing
Sgt. Kareli, 47, died on 9 September after a period of ill health, according to the provincial SAPS. A memorial service was held at the Bobbies Park Sports Centre in Bloemfontein on 17 September, and the funeral took place at Kananelo High School in Phomolong, Kroonstad on 19 September.
Kareli joined the SAPS on 14 July 2008 and served in several policing environments before being moved to provincial communications in 2014. In the communications role he became a public-facing link between the police, the media and communities, sharing information about operations, activities and safety initiatives across the province.
Tributes from colleagues and former leaders
Free State police director of communications Brig. Thandi Mbambo said the provincial SAPS family was deeply saddened by his passing and described Kareli as “a well-known and trusted voice of the organisation.” Mbambo emphasised that Kareli recognised the importance of keeping communities informed as part of policing.
“We have lost a dedicated member of the SAPS family who represented our organisation with commitment and professionalism. His voice became synonymous with policing in the Free State, and his absence will be deeply felt by colleagues, the media and the communities we serve.”
Former head of corporate communication and liaison, Brig. Motantsi Makhele, recalled Kareli’s readiness to assist others in urgent situations, describing him as “A Good Samaritan” and mentioning an occasion on the N1 where Kareli stopped to help people trapped in a vehicle.
What colleagues remember
At the memorial gathering in Bloemfontein colleagues, family and media members reflected on Kareli’s professionalism, dedication and the practical role he played in policing communication across the province. Free State SAPS extended condolences to his family, saying they hoped his loved ones would find comfort in his service to the organisation.
- Role: Provincial corporate communication and liaison component
- Service to SAPS: Joined 14 July 2008; moved to provincial communications in 2014
- Key dates: Died 9 September; memorial 17 September (Bloemfontein); funeral 19 September (Kroonstad)
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14 July 2008 | Joined the South African Police Service |
| 2014 | Transferred to provincial communications |
| 9 September | Died after ill health |
| 17 September | Memorial service at Bobbies Park Sports Centre, Bloemfontein |
| 19 September | Funeral service at Kananelo High School, Phomolong, Kroonstad |
Those who worked with Kareli said his communications work was not limited to issuing statements; he provided context to policing activity and helped journalists and communities understand operational priorities. His duties made him a recognisable figure in provincial reporting and public safety engagement.
Community impact and continuity
Police communications serve an everyday public function: informing residents about crime prevention, arrests, safety operations and community policing efforts. The Free State SAPS emphasised the continuity of service even as it mourns the loss of a senior communicator, and highlighted the broader communications team's role in maintaining public information channels.
Free State police extended their deepest condolences to Kareli’s family and colleagues. The SAPS statement said his presence touched the lives of many and reminded the organisation that policing involves not only responding to crime but also building understanding with the media and the communities it serves.
Preparations for events such as memorials and funerals in the province typically involve coordination between local police stations, family representatives and community leaders. For those seeking further information about the services held for Sgt. Kareli, the provincial SAPS communications office provided the details published in their statement.
The passing of Sgt. Kareli closes a chapter for the Free State communications unit; colleagues who gathered at both the Bloemfontein memorial and the Kroonstad funeral reflected a shared sense of loss and gratitude for his years of service and for the bridges he built between the SAPS and the public.
