South Africa’s R700 Million Police Headquarters Still Empty After Over a Year

South African Police Service’s (SAPS) new headquarters at the Telkom Towers Complex in Pretoria remains unused, 18 months after evacuation. The office complex, purchased for around R694 million (VAT included), was meant to consolidate police operations.

The problems started early in 2024 when safety and health concerns forced the evacuation of the buildings. Since then, the complex has stood empty. Despite a completed forensic report revealing mismanagement, officials say the site is still “not ready for full use.”

Current arrangements see SAPS operating out of 22 leased properties across Pretoria, costing the state about R444 million a year for space covering roughly 144,672 m². By contrast, the Telkom Towers offer nearly 99,277 m² and over 2,200 parking bays, a far more efficient setup in theory.

Attempts are underway to make the towers usable again. Repairs have been made to lighting, ventilation, fire safety equipment, housekeeping, and structural shortcomings. Contractors were appointed for a 36-month repair period. Yet key items, like fire doors, fire seals, and a fireman’s lift, remain to be completed before local authorities grant the required certificate of occupancy.

Meanwhile, SAPS plans to scrap the complex entirely and move to an alternative accommodation strategy. Talks between senior officials have begun, signaling a possible shift away from the Telkom Towers.

What this reveals is a troubling case of public funds tied up in a project that has delivered no benefit, more than a year after its intended commencement. At a time when policing infrastructure is critical, this bureaucratic deadlock undermines both accountability and public trust.