Authorities in the City of Tshwane have begun demolishing two high-rise complexes owned by Nigerian property developer George Asaba after multiple court rulings declared the structures unlawful.

The demolitions followed a March ruling by the Gauteng High Court ordering the removal of the buildings on Luttig Street, Pretoria West.

The court found that Asaba failed to submit approved building plans, describing the complexes as unsafe, a health hazard, and in violation of zoning and safety regulations.

Asaba’s appeal was dismissed in April, with the court upholding the municipality’s right to proceed.

He was also held in contempt of court for ignoring a July 16, 2024, order halting construction.

City officials said Asaba will bear the costs of the demolition.

Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, hailed the ruling as a decisive victory in the fight against unlawful developments.

“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,” Morodi said.

She added that illegal buildings, land grabs, and property hijackings had long undermined service delivery and public safety, vowing that the city’s multiparty coalition government would continue cracking down on offenders.

The City confirmed that demolitions would continue across Tshwane as part of its wider campaign against illegal structures.

Court papers revealed that Asaba admitted starting construction in June 2023 without approval but claimed his architect had submitted plans.

Judges rejected the argument, ruling he had flouted clear court directives and attempted to use a pending rezoning application as a last-minute excuse.