By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The Free State SAPS is in mourning after the death of its provincial spokesperson, Sergeant Mahlomola Peter Kareli, who passed away on Wednesday morning following a period of ill health.
Kareli was 42.
For more than a decade, Kareli was the calm, familiar voice that kept communities informed. He joined SAPS on 14 July 2008 and moved into provincial communications in 2014.
For the past 18 years he became the critical link between police, media and the public.
“Today, we have lost more than a colleague. We have lost a dedicated member of the SAPS family who carried the responsibility of representing our organisation with commitment and professionalism,” said the Free State Provincial Commissioner.
“His voice had become synonymous with policing in the Free State. His absence will be deeply felt by his colleagues, the media fraternity and communities.”
Colleagues remember him as the man who explained operations during crises, crime waves and community initiatives — always with professionalism and clarity.
Beyond the uniform and media briefings, Kareli was a devoted husband and father to his wife, daughter and son.
The SAPS has appealed to the media and public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced once finalized.
From crime scenes to press conferences, Sergeant Kareli made sure the public knew what was happening. Now the Free State has lost its trusted voice.
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