Bloemfontein. The Free State provincial police say they are deeply saddened by the death of Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the member who headed communication between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the media and communities in the province.
Service and role
Provincial police spokesperson Thandi Mbambo said Kareli died on Wednesday morning after a period of illness. Kareli joined the SAPS in 2008 and was moved to the provincial communication team in 2014, where he worked until his passing. According to Mbambo, his career spanned more than 18 years of service.
Mbambo described Kareli as a dedicated communicator who “served the South African Police Service and the people of the Free State with distinction”, and said he played a key role in ensuring that both the media and communities received accurate and timely information.
“Sergeant Kareli was a dedicated and committed communicator who served the South African Police Service and the people of the Free State with distinction. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the media and our communities received accurate and timely information,” said Thandi Mbambo.
Impact on police-media engagement
Within the SAPS provincial structure, the communication office functions as the principal channel for public information about crime trends, policing operations, road safety, and community liaison. Mbambo said Kareli’s availability and willingness to assist fostered “a professional and constructive relationship with the media” and that his passing leaves “a profound void within the Free State SAPS communication services.”
Colleagues and journalists who regularly relied on provincial briefings are likely to feel the immediate effects as the communication team reorganises responsibilities.
Officials' response and next steps
The Provincial Commissioner and management “are deeply saddened”, Mbambo said, and the SAPS provincial account also posted a tribute noting the loss. The statement did not provide details on funeral arrangements or the nature of Kareli’s illness.
- Joined SAPS: 2008
- Transferred to provincial communications: 2014
- Years of service: more than 18 years
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli |
| Role | Provincial Communication Officer, Free State SAPS |
| Service start | 2008 |
| Joined provincial team | 2014 |
| Reported by | SABC News (9 September 2026) |
What this means for the public
For residents of the Free State, the communications unit is the source of verified updates on criminal incidents, police operations, road closures linked to policing actions and invitations to community safety meetings. Mbambo’s statement stressed the importance of maintaining accurate and timely information flows, a function Kareli had led.
Members of the public and journalists seeking updates should continue to use the official SAPS provincial channels and contact points. The provincial office is expected to allocate Kareli’s duties to other members while it considers a permanent replacement.
Condolences and legacy
Mbambo’s tribute noted Kareli’s professionalism and commitment to building constructive relationships with the media. The statement indicated that many journalists had worked closely with him and would remember his dedication and readiness to assist.
As the province’s police communication office adjusts, the emphasis from SAPS management is on ensuring continuity of public information services and on honouring Kareli’s contribution to policing and community engagement in the Free State.
Further details about memorial services were not available in the provincial statement released on 9 September 2026.
