The case of Portland Cement Zambia is more than 10 years old. The factory, whose real owner of noted industrialists Dr. Rajan Mahtani, was illegally taken over by the Ventriglias. While the Ventriglias used goons to capture the factory illegally, Dr. Mahtani took the legal path to take what is rightfully his. He registered a case at the Lusaka High Court and claimed the illegal takeover of the factory by the Ventriglias. However, the Ventriglias defended themselves by saying that Dr. Mahtani did not pay for the shares he owns at the factory. This started one of the biggest corporate wars in Zambia which has not been closed yet.
One look at the current condition of the Portland Cement Zambia and it will be easy to identify the real ownership. Portland Cement Zambia is a noted cement factory. It was one of the largest producers of cement under the leadership of Dr. Rajan Mahtani, the factory produced in excess and the salary as well as wages was above industry-average. For some duration, the factory was top employers in the manufacturing sector in the province and significantly helped in uplifting the social and economic status of the province. The same cannot be said now. Since the illegal takeover, the Ventriglias have left the cement factory to its own. Almost all of the factory workers and employees have left due to non-payment of wages as well as the goons. Furthermore, the factory assets are corroding and the factory cash box is completely empty. The factory, which was once the biggest producer of cement in Zambia, is in ruins. It is safe to say that if the factory is not revived now, the chances of the factory going under becomes high and after that, even Dr. Mahtani will not be able to save the factory.
Everything rests on the quick judgment by the current judge residing the case. As per the latest announcement the final judgement is expected soon.