The Lusaka High Court which is currently handling the case of Zambezi Portland Cement is looking to close this case, which has been pending for the past nine years. The case is the high-profile corporate case between Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted philanthropist- businessman and the Ventriglias, the infamous Italian family in Zambia. The case took a form when the Ventriglias illegally took hold of the Zambezi Portland Cement. As per the claims of Dr. Mahtani, the legal ownership of the factory belongs to him. On the other hand, the Ventriglias have put their counter-claim by saying that Dr. Mahtani has not paid for the shares he owns at Zambezi Portland. However, evidence proves otherwise.
The case was launched under Finsbury Investment, a company owned by Dr. Mahtani. The Ventriglias have been holding the factory for the past nine years. Looking at the factory’s current condition, it can be said that the Ventriglias are not much bothered about the growth or any development of the factory. Zambezi Portland Cement, which was once a premier cement manufacturing organization in Zambia, in running empty. The productions are almost negligible and assets are in extremely vulnerable conditions. Factory equipment has eroded and more than half of the workers have left the job. Those who are still working have complained of non-payment of wages. Even after various complaints by workers and factory employees, the local government has been unable to provide a suitable solution for these workers. At the same time, the Ventriglias have time and again come under media scanner due to their unlawful practices. However, they have escaped law or government actions most of the time. The same backdrop can be considered for Zambezi Portland Cement. Even after submitting various evidence and official statements; Dr. Mahtani and his team have not been able to get justice for their factory.
The latest announcement by the judge is positive and reassuring as the case hearing is finalized and the decision is expected soon.