Sergeant Mahlomola Peter Kareli, the Free State provincial police spokesperson, was remembered for his warm sense of humour, humility and dedication during a memorial service held at Bobbiespark Sports Complex in Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Kareli passed away on 9 September 2026 following a period of ill health, leaving colleagues, friends, and family to gather and honour his life and contribution to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Those who paid tribute described Kareli as a gentle spirit who consistently brought laughter to others through his jokes.
Colleagues and close associates reflected on his personality, highlighting his immense pride in serving as the provincial police spokesperson.
Lehlohonolo Mathabeng, Kareli’s colleague, shared that Kareli was more than a co-worker, describing him as a mentor.
“Sergeant Kareli was more than a colleague to me, I still cannot believe that he is not here. I am going to miss his sense of humour, because he always joked around making everyone around him laugh.
“He was my role model, what inspired me is that he loved his job and his family and he was also very professional. I would like to thank his family for sharing him with us as his colleagues,” stated Mathabeng.
Harry Nagel remembered Kareli as someone who brought joy wherever he went, noting his practical skills and craftsmanship.
Nagel recalled how Kareli enjoyed showcasing home renovation projects he undertook in his spare time.
“Kareli was very skilled with his hands and he loved to renovate his own house and used to show me.
“The last piece of work he showed me was incomplete, I cannot believe he will not get to finish it. I hope the kids that he spoke to and encouraged are truly inspired by him,” said Nagel.
Kareli’s role placed him at the centre of communication between law enforcement and the public, particularly through his routine interactions with media personnel.
Renowned radio veteran, Thuso Motaung, aptly referred to as Ntate Thuso, expressed shock over Kareli’s passing, noting that the spokesperson had recently buried his mother, to whom he was deeply devoted.
“I can’t believe he is gone. I can’t believe I won’t get to speak to you, you will not sit in the studio with me again. It is truly unbelievable.
“After burying his mother he would be teary when speaking about her so it is sad that he passed shortly after burying his mother,” Ntate Thuso said.
For those who worked alongside him, his passing marked the loss of a trusted communicator who built strong professional and personal relationships throughout his career.
SAPS head of provincial communication, Thandi Mbambo, asserted that media houses and colleagues alike could attest to Kareli’s work ethic and commitment to the service.
“Thank you for sharing him with us, he was a big part of the SAPS force. He served his country and his province so well,” Mbambo said.
His passing leaves a lasting impression on all who knew him, with his legacy of service continuing to live on across the province.
