Free State Police Sergeant
By Thabo Mosia
On Thursday, tragedy struck the South African Police Service (SAPS) as Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse, 45, lost his life in a vehicle accident while on duty. The incident occurred around 02:35 on the Heilbron-Edenville road (R34), approximately 15 kilometres from Heilbron in the Free State. Sergeant Mareletse, the driver of a police bakkie, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His colleague, Constable Bongani Jeffrey Xanko, 31, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the officers, assigned to Heilbron Visible Policing, were in active pursuit of a suspect driving a white Nissan Sentra, believed to be involved in a potential stock theft case. During the high-speed chase, the police vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Both officers were in full uniform and executing official duties at the time of the accident.
Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, SAPS spokesperson, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic passing of Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse in a vehicle accident during the early hours of this morning.” The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, extended heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Mareletse’s family, friends, and colleagues, noting, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Mareletse during this difficult time. It is indeed a sad beginning of the year, losing three members in the line of duty already in such a short period of time. We also wish Constable Xanko a speedy recovery.”
This incident underscores the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers in South Africa. The SAPS has been grappling with a concerning number of fatalities among its ranks. In the 2022/2023 financial year, 34 police officers and reservists died in the line of duty, as commemorated during the SAPS National Commemoration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. 
The loss of Sergeant Mareletse adds to the growing list of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. The SAPS continues to emphasize the importance of officer safety and the need for community support in combating crime. As Lieutenant General Motswenyane remarked, “Our responsibility is to make sure that you are safe.”
The investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident or the suspect involved in the pursuit to come forward. Community cooperation remains vital in ensuring that those responsible for criminal activities are apprehended and brought to justice.
(SAPS) as Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse, 45,
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