City officials in Tshwane have started demolishing two high-rise buildings owned by Nigerian property developer George Asaba after courts ruled the structures illegal.

The Gauteng High Court had earlier ordered the removal of the buildings on Luttig Street, Pretoria West, citing safety concerns and violations of zoning regulations. Authorities described the complexes as unsafe and a potential threat to public health.

Asaba’s attempts to appeal the court’s ruling were unsuccessful, with his appeal dismissed in April. He was also found in contempt of court for ignoring a July 2024 order that halted construction. The developer is now responsible for the full cost of the demolition.

Kholofelo Morodi, Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, praised the decision, saying it marks a significant step in the city’s crackdown on illegal developments. She emphasized that the city is committed to reclaiming urban spaces from unlawful projects and ensuring that no individual is above the law.

The City of Tshwane confirmed that demolition operations will continue as part of its broader campaign against unauthorized structures. Court documents show that Asaba began construction in June 2023 without approved plans, though he claimed his architect had submitted them. Judges rejected this explanation, noting that he violated court directives and attempted to use a pending rezoning application as a justification.