City of Tshwane Demolishes Unlawful Buildings After Court Rulings Against Nigerian Developer

The City of Tshwane has begun demolishing two high-rise complexes in Pretoria West that were constructed without approval by Nigerian property developer George Asaba, following several court rulings that declared the buildings illegal and unsafe, MDN News reports.

In March 2025, the Gauteng High Court ruled in favor of the municipality, ordering the demolition of the buildings located on Luttig Street. The court found that the developer had failed to submit approved building plans and had violated zoning and safety regulations. The structures were described as hazardous and in breach of municipal codes.

Although Asaba appealed the decision, the court dismissed the appeal in April 2025, reaffirming the city's authority to demolish the structures.

City of Tshwane’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, welcomed the judgment, calling it a significant win in the city’s efforts to address unauthorised developments.

“This ruling marks a turning point in our efforts to reclaim urban spaces and sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” said Morodi, as reported by IOL. She also highlighted the broader impact of illegal construction on public services and infrastructure.

Morodi emphasized that the City, through its Bad Buildings Committee, is actively cracking down on illegal structures, land invasions, and property hijackings, urging residents to report any suspicious building activity in their communities.

According to court documents, Asaba admitted to starting construction in June 2023 without formal approval, though he claimed his architect had submitted plans for review. The court found that he had not complied with a July 16, 2024, order to halt construction and submit proper documentation, holding him in contempt of court.

The court dismissed Asaba’s defense that a pending rezoning application justified continued work, calling it an inadequate attempt to evade responsibility. He has been ordered to bear the full costs of the demolition.

The City has confirmed that demolitions are underway and that it will continue efforts to identify and remove other unlawful structures throughout Tshwane.