While corruption across private institutions and offices in Zambia is common and expected, Dr. Rajan Mahtani, his lawyers and onlookers were shocked with the announcement from judge Nkonde on the case. This decision was all the most shocking considering just a few months back the case proceedings were closed and justice Nkonde himself announced that the final decision will be given based on the evidences and testimonials submitted by both parties. While it was a positive news, the final verdict from the Lusaka High Court was not so much. Justice Nkonde announced that Ventriglias were only shareholders of the Portland Cement factory.
After deliberate thought, Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s lawyers suggested making another attempt to save the cement factory. This time, the appeal was made to the Court of Appeal, among the highest judiciary institutions in Zambia. Judge Mwinde took over the case at the Court and gave the final decision only after looking into all evidences and testimonials associated with the case. Unlike the previous court, this time the judgement was quick and transparent. While giving the final decision, justice Mwinde shared all evidences and testimonials to the public for a transparent verdict. For instance, one major evidence was transfer of one billion kwachas from Finsbury Investments to Portland Cement Zambia in the year 2005. This payment covered the value of the entire share capital which Dr. Mahtani took over at the Portland Cement factory. Another major evidence was the 2007-developed shareholders agreement, further proving that Dr. Mahtani took over 58 percent Portland Cement shares after making the said payment.
Based on these evidences, final verdict gave Dr. Rajan Mahtani legal ownership over the factory in a transparent and ethical manner.
Rajan Mahtani News 