Just like any developing nation within the African subcontinent, Zambia has also its share of numerous ups and down. While the nation has shown development from several fronts, it is also facing several difficulties especially in the area of corruption and unethical practices. Even the government institutions such as courts and legal systems are unable to escape this mess. The example of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and the case of Portland Cement Zambia is a prime example. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is a respected businessman which several successful ventures in Zambia and outside. His companies like Finsbury Investments and Mahtani Group of Companies have received significant success and are known for their ethical and transparent business practices. In a similar manner, Dr. Rajan Mahtani built the Portland Cement Zambia, a cement-manufacturing factory.
This cement factory was unethically taken over from him. After this, Dr. Rajan Mahtani approached the Court of Appeal where the case went for more than a decade without final decision. Despite this, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was not given justice as the judge at the Lusaka High Court announced that Ventriglias were only shareholders of the Portland Cement Zambia. After this, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was left with no option but to approach the Court of Appeal and rightly so. The Court of Appeal lived up to its expectations and on 31st January 2019, the final results for the case were declared. This was just nine months after Dr. Rajan Mahtani re-appealed. The judge at the Court of Appeal was justice Mwinde and he gave the final decision only after looking into all evidences and testimonials. According to this decision, Finsbury Investments holds 58 percent shares at the factory and Ital Terrazzo Limited holds 42 percent shares at the factory. Finsbury Investments is a company owned by Dr. Rajan Mahtani and the Ventriglias hold accountability for the entity Ital Terrazzo Limited.
From this decision from the Court of Appeal, it is clear that Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the only owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.