Free state provincial commissioner mourns the passing of the provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Peter Kareli
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State,
Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia together with the management and members of the organisation, are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergeant Mahlomola Peter Kareli, the Free State Provincial Police Spokesperson.
Kareli passed away this morning, 9 September 2026 (Wednesda), due to ill health.
His untimely passing has left the Free State SAPS family deeply saddened. According to Lesia ,Kareli was a familiar and trusted voice of the organisation, serving as an important link between the police, the media and the communities of the Free State.
Kareli joined the SAPS on 14 July 2008 and served the organisation for more than 18 years.
His career included service in various policing environments before he joined the Provincial Communication structures, where he was transferred to join the Communication family in 2014.
Throughout his years of service, Kareli contributed to the dissemination of important policing information and played a significant role in keeping members of the media and the public informed about SAPS activities, operations and initiatives.
Lesia expressed heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Peter Kareli family, friends, colleagues and all those who worked closely with him.
“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. His voice became synonymous with policing in the Free State, and his absence will be deeply felt by his colleagues, the media fraternity and the communities we serve. We extend our deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort in knowing that his service to the people of the Free State will be remembered.”
The SAPS in the Free State requests the media and the public to afford the bereaved family the necessary privacy and respect as they come to terms with this loss.
He leaves behind a loving wife, daughter and son. Sergeant Kareli was a family man who lived for and cherished his beloved family deeply.
Further details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
