Authorities in the City of Tshwane have started demolishing two high-rise complexes owned by Nigerian property developer George Asaba, after multiple court rulings declared the buildings unlawful.
The demolitions follow a March 2025 Gauteng High Court ruling that ordered the removal of the structures on Luttig Street, Pretoria West, citing lack of approved building plans, safety risks, and zoning violations. Asaba’s April appeal was dismissed, while a July 2024 contempt ruling found he had ignored an earlier order to halt construction.
City officials confirmed Asaba will bear the costs of the demolition. Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, described the ruling as a major victory:
“This ruling is a turning point in the City’s efforts to reclaim urban spaces from unlawful developments and send a strong message that no one is above the law,” she said.
Morodi stressed that illegal buildings, land grabs, and property hijackings had long undermined service delivery and safety, pledging continued enforcement under the city’s multiparty coalition government.
Court documents show Asaba admitted starting construction in June 2023 without approval, claiming his architect submitted plans. Judges dismissed the argument, ruling he deliberately flouted directives and tried to hide behind a pending rezoning application.
The City said demolitions of other unlawful structures would continue as part of a wider crackdown on illegal developments across Tshwane.
