In the latest turn of events, The Lusaka High Court concluded the ongoing case between Dr. Rajan Mahtani and The Ventriglias. The case is for the ownership of Zambezi Portland Cement. The initial case was launched by Dr. Mahtani and has been counter-claimed by the Ventriglia Family. While the court case has been concluded, the judge is yet to announce the final date of judgment. As per the least announcement, the court will decide the judgment day after the defense lawyer submits their defense material, both written and oral. Dr. Mahtani is the owner of Finsbury Investments and has been conducting businesses in Zambia for many decades. On the other hand, the Ventriglia family is infamously known as the Italian Mafias of Zambia.
It is a well-known fact that the Portland Cement has been under the ownership of Dr. Mahtani for many years. Under his ownership, the establishment flourished, made profits and even produced more than their optimal output. The company has been the source of steady employment for hundreds of people. However, the situation turned around when The Cement factory was taken over by the Ventriglias. It has been claimed in the case that the factory was illegally taken and since then, the business is a standstill. The factory equipment are rusted and ruined, workers out of jobs and the cash deposits taken. Since then, Dr. Mahtani has been fighting this battle across courts to gain access of the factory in rightful and ethical manner.
The judge hearing this case has given the date of 18th December for the defense lawyer to share their defense statements. Once the statement is submitted and properly evaluated, the final date for judgment will be announced. Sources have suggested that the evidence such as claims, documents, shareholding documents and signatures etc presented by Dr. Rajan Mahtani is much more factual compared to the faint evidence or arguments made by the Ventriglias. Speculations aside, both parties are waiting for the defense submission so that proceedings are completed on time.