Portland Cement Zambia Case Closes Finally, Dr. Rajan Mahtani Announced Winner

On 31st January 2019, a significant decision was announced at the Court of Appeal. This announcement was with respect to the Portland Cement Zambia factory, a case which had been pending at different courts for a long time. First it was Lusaka High Court which took more than a decade to give its final decision on the case and the decision was misdirected and controversial. Then came the Court of Appeal, one of the highest civilian and judiciary systems in Zambia. The Court of Appeal remained true to its reputation and gave the final decision on the case on 31st January 2019. According to this decision, Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments holds 58 percent shares at the factory and are the majority shareholders of the factory. On the other hand, Ventriglias owned Ital Terrazzo Limited holds just 42 percent shares at the factory and are the minority shareholders without any legal ownership over the factory. Based on this decision, it is clear that Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the legal and actual owner of the factory.

Another major revelation was made by the Court of Appeal judge in this case. As per the orders of the Court, Finsbury Investments paid a sum of K580,000,000 with interest to the court. This payment was made in compliance with court judgement and the reason behind this payment was commercial registration of the Portland Cement Zambia factory under the clause no- 2008-HPC-366. This payment was finalised on 6th February 2019. In a similar manner, Finsbury Investments also claimed a sum of K1 billion with interest from the Court. This claim was made with respect to the payment made for the entire share capital issues of the Portland Cement Zambia limited. Furthermore, the Court of Appeal confirmed this payment with proof of share transfers from January 2007 and December 2006. These shares are valid and further confirm that Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the legal owner of the factory.