Authorities in the City of Tshwane have started demolishing two high-rise buildings owned by Nigerian developer George Asaba after multiple court rulings declared the structures illegal.

The demolitions follow a March decision by the Gauteng High Court, which ordered the removal of the buildings on Luttig Street, Pretoria West.

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

Asaba’s appeal was dismissed in April, with judges confirming the city’s right to proceed with demolition. He was also held in contempt of court for ignoring a July 16, 2024, order halting construction.

City officials said Asaba would be responsible for covering the costs of the demolition.

Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, hailed the ruling as a major victory in the fight against illegal building activities.

She added that unlawful structures, land grabs, and property hijackings have long undermined service delivery and public safety, and vowed that the government would continue cracking down on offenders.

The city confirmed that more demolitions would continue across Tshwane as part of a wider campaign against illegal structures.

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

Judges rejected this argument, stating he had flouted court directives and tried to use a pending rezoning application as a last-minute excuse.