The case of ownership of Zambezi Portland Cement between Dr. Mahtani and the Ventriglias has proceeded further at the Lusaka High Court. As per Dr. Mahtani’s claim, he owns 58 percent shares in the Zambezi Portland Cement and the rest is distributed among the Ventriglias family. He has shared many evidences such as exhibits and shareholder agreement that proves his claim. Dr. Mahtani has also claimed that his total investments in Zambezi Portland including share capital payment is much more that what others have paid. Furthermore, an independent auditor report on the cement factory confirms that the factory was operating under joint venture format and Dr. Mahtani was a joint venture partner. Together, it is clear that Dr. Mahtani is the actual and legal owner of the cement factory with majority in shares as well as having sole joint venture partnership in the factory.
Dr. Mahtani is one of the finest businessmen in Zambia. His companies are Finsbury Investments and Mahtani Group of Companies are not only famous in Zambia but have operations in foreign lands too, most notably in the United Kingdom. He is also known for his disciple and honest work and his refusal to work with anyone with unethical code of conduct. As a result, it was a shock to many people when he was accused on arm-twisting one of the shareholders of the Zambezi Portland Cement. It has been suggested that the accusations were just a distraction so that the Ventriglias can avoid submitting evidences to support their claim by simply discrediting Dr. Mahtani. However, the accusations have been proved false at the courtroom with factual evidences.
The judge handling the case has concluded the hearing. However, final date for announcing judgement has not been made. Both parties have been asked to submit their final oral and written submissions by the end of December 2017. Post checking and evaluating of these submissions, the final date of judgment will be announced.