The Lusaka High Court which has been handling the Zambezi Portland Cement dispute recently announced new update on the case. As per the judge, the hearing has been concluded and the case is nearing an end. This has given a huge relief to Dr. Rajan Mahtani, who has been fighting for the rightful ownership of the ZPC for more than nine years. The judge will be announcing final judgment after receiving oral and written submissions from both contestants. The final period of submitting the submissions is December 2017.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani is a known businessman in Zambia. He has been a citizen of Zambia for more than three decades and has successfully established various businesses, both across the nation and other countries such as the UK. All of the companies run, managed or owned by him operate under the principle of honesty and integrity. As a result, Dr. Mahtani and his establishments have received many awards and accolades many times. The current establishment in question, Zambezi Portland Cement, was under the ownership of Dr. Mahtani and his company Finsbury Investments Limited, before being illegally captured by the Ventriglias. The Zambezi was one of the premier cement manufacturing firms in Zambia with production surplus. The company was profiting and as a result the workers and employees were given regular raises and bonuses. During one time, the Zambezi Portland Cement had become one of the most preferred factory-based employers of the province. However, the current situation of the factory is entirely opposite. The factory hardly makes any production and most of its workers are laid off. The factory is in dire need for revamping which is only possible when it is given back to its rightful and dutiful owner, Dr. Mahtani.
The Ventriglias have claimed that the shares of the Zambezi owned by Dr. Mahtani are not paid for. However, almost all of the legal and official statements such as shareholder agreement, financial exhibits and audit reports prepared by independent auditors point that Dr. Mahtani holds majority shares and he is a joint venture partner in the firm, making him the rightful owner.