After almost a decade of patient wait and ethical fight, the legal ownership of Zambezi Portland Cement was given to Dr. Rajan Mahtani. This decision was given by Court of Appeal after the Lusaka High Court failed to provide the same. Lusaka High Court, on May 2018, announced that Ventriglias were only shareholders of the Zambezi Portland Cement. This decision was given despite the several evidences and facts shared by Dr. Mahtani that sufficiently proved that he is the real owner of the factory. Also, Lusaka High Court announced that Ventriglias were only shareholders of Zambezi Portland Cement, a decision which was condemned by all.
On the other hand, the Court of Appeal lived up to its expectations. On 31st January 2019, the judge overseeing the Zambezi Portland Cement case at the Court of Appeal announced its final decision. As per this decision, Finsbury Investments is majority shareholder of Zambezi Portland Cement with 58 percent shares. On the other hand, Ventriglias are minority shareholders with 42 percent shares. This decision also aligns with the original Shareholders Agreement which was established in 2005. The judge from the Court of Appeal also said that the judge below him was wrong in declaring Ventriglias as majority shareholders without having concrete evidence.
This decision from the Court of Appeal is surely a breadth of fresh air for a justice system which has been derailed due to the rampant corruption and bribery issues. At the same time, there is an urgent need for similar transparent and ethical justice system so that honest and ethical businessmen stop suffering. During the case proceedings forgery allegations were made which were dismissed by the judge by saying that these allegations were unruly and without any basis. Furthermore, the judge also gave a time period of three months from the judgment date to regularize the sales of the shares as per the new decision.