In a decisive move, the City of Tshwane has razed two illegal high-rise buildings in Pretoria West owned by property developer George Asaba following his failed legal bid to appeal a high court ruling that allowed the city to proceed with the action.

The structures on Luttig Street were deemed unsafe and illegal due to the lack of approved building plans, violating the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act. 

In March 2025, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that Asaba had failed to obtain the necessary approvals for the complexes.

After Asaba’s appeal was dismissed four months later, the city took swift action, bringing the structures down.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya said she, along with other city officials, had made multiple visits to the construction site.

“We have been here a couple of times after we got a court order to demolish this structure. This person built all these buildings without the necessary approvals,” she said.

She said the city had approached the court to file a complaint against the developers for constructing buildings illegally, and the court subsequently ruled in the city’s favour.

“What was most concerning was the integrity of the structure. When you go up you could see it is not fit for people to stay in. We are grateful that the courts listened to our case when we presented it,” she said.

She emphasised that the demolition should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating illegal construction.

Moya said the city plans to acquire one of the bulldozing machines used in the demolition, given the numerous individuals who refuse to comply with municipal by-laws.

She stated that the current administration’s efforts to reclaim the city, as promised, may make some individuals uncomfortable.

After the recent court ruling, Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, welcomed the decision as a major milestone in the city’s efforts to reclaim urban spaces from unauthorised developments.

She expressed concern that years of illegal buildings, land grabs, and hijacked properties have eroded service delivery, compromised infrastructure, and undermined public safety. 

The high court ruled that Asaba would be liable for the demolition costs and was found in contempt of court for violating a July 16, 2024, court order that barred him from constructing the buildings.

Court documents revealed that construction began in June 2023 without city approval, with Asaba’s team claiming their architect had submitted plans for review.

The court said: “The submission of building plans does not accord one the right or permission to build. One needs permission first before one can build, and I am of the view that the respondents were very much aware of this requirement but opted to go ahead as they are the law unto themselves.”

The court ruled that the developer had failed to comply with the July 16, 2024, court order, notably not submitting the necessary building plans for review and approval. 

Despite the order to stop, the developer continued construction, showing blatant disregard for the court’s directives, according to the court ruling.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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