23/08/2026
Let the Free State Choose Peace: No Political Killings in Mangaung and Matjhabeng
As political parties announce their mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections, we must make one declaration very clearly:
There must be no political killings in the Free State.
In particular, Mangaung and Matjhabeng must be territories of peace, not battlegrounds for political power. Political competition is an important part of democracy. Different parties may have different visions, policies and candidates, and they have every right to campaign for the support of the people. But political differences must never become a justification for violence, intimidation or the taking of human life.
As political parties announce their preferred mayoral candidates, we therefore declare peace over the Free State.
No position is worth a human life. No mayoral office is worth killing for. No political ambition should cost a family a loved one.
Let us compete on ideas.
Let us compete on service delivery.
Let us compete on our ability to create jobs, fix roads, provide clean water, address sewer challenges, grow local economies and improve the lives of ordinary people.
But let us never compete through violence.
It is not about the position; it is about serving the people.
A mayoral position is not a personal possession. It is a responsibility entrusted to someone by the people. Political office should be an opportunity to serve, build communities and improve the lives of citizens.
We appeal to the conscience of every political leader and candidate: before you pursue political power, let your conscience be alive. Remember that the person on the other side of the political divide is also someone's father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter.
You can disagree without becoming enemies.
You can compete without destroying one another.
You can lose an election without losing your dignity.
And you can win an election without becoming intoxicated by power.
Mangaung and Matjhabeng must not become places where political ambition creates fear. They must become examples of peaceful democratic participation, where political parties challenge one another through ideas, policies and service to the people.
We call upon churches, community leaders, civil society, business leaders, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, the media and ordinary citizens to stand together against political violence if it shows up.
Let this election season be remembered not for bloodshed, but for peaceful political competition, responsible leadership and a genuine commitment to serving our communities.
Our declaration is simple:
NO POLITICAL KILLINGS IN THE FREE STATE.
NOT IN MANGAUNG.
NOT IN MATJHABENG.
NOT ANYWHERE.
We choose life.
We choose peace.
We choose democracy.
We choose service over self.
And we choose a Free State where political leaders compete for the privilege to serve the people—not to destroy one another.
May the conscience of every leader be alive.
The Free State must be a province where no political position is ever considered more valuable than human life.
MB Kareli (Senior Pastor - EMI)
