Pretoria authorities have demolished two high-rise buildings owned by Nigerian property developer George Asaba, following multiple court rulings that declared the projects unlawful and unsafe.
The demolition order stemmed from a March 2025 ruling by the Gauteng High Court, which found that Asaba failed to obtain approved building plans for the complexes on Luttig Street, Pretoria West. The court described the developments as hazardous, in breach of zoning laws, and a threat to public safety.
An appeal lodged by Asaba was dismissed in April, and he was later held in contempt of court for ignoring a July 16, 2024, order to halt construction. City officials confirmed that he will bear the costs of the demolition.
Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate and Shared Services, hailed the judgment as a decisive win in the city’s battle against illegal developments.
“This ruling marks a turning point in our efforts to reclaim urban spaces from unlawful structures. It proves that no developer is above the law,” Morodi said.
She noted that unregulated construction, land grabs, and property hijackings have long undermined service delivery in Tshwane, adding that the city’s coalition government will continue strict enforcement to safeguard communities.
Court documents revealed Asaba admitted starting construction in June 2023 without official approval. He claimed his architect had submitted plans, but judges rejected this defense, ruling that he flouted clear directives while attempting to rely on a pending rezoning application.
City officials confirmed that further demolitions are planned across Tshwane as part of a wider campaign to remove unlawful structures.
