PRETORIA — South African authorities have begun demolishing two high-rise complexes owned by Nigerian property developer George Asaba after multiple court rulings declared the buildings unlawful and unsafe.
The demolitions, which commenced this week, follow a March ruling by the Gauteng High Court ordering the removal of the structures located on Luttig Street, Pretoria West. The court found that Asaba had failed to submit approved building plans, describing the complexes as a health hazard and a violation of zoning and safety regulations.
Asaba’s appeal against the decision was dismissed in April, reaffirming the municipality’s right to demolish the buildings. He was also found in contempt of court for disobeying a July 16, 2024, order to halt construction. Officials confirmed he would bear the costs of the demolition.
Kholofelo Morodi, a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, hailed the demolition as a milestone in South Africa’s campaign against illegal developments.
“This ruling is a turning point in the efforts to reclaim urban spaces from unlawful developments and send a strong message that no one is above the law,” Morodi said.
She noted that illegal buildings, land grabs, and property hijackings had long undermined service delivery and public safety, stressing that the multiparty coalition government would continue cracking down on offenders.
Court papers revealed that Asaba admitted to starting construction in June 2023 without approval, though he argued that his architect had submitted plans. Judges rejected the claim, ruling that he had flouted clear court directives while attempting to use a pending rezoning application as a last-minute justification.
Authorities confirmed that demolitions of illegal structures will continue across South Africa as part of a broader enforcement drive.
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