The ownership of Portland Cement Zambia was given to Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments during the period of 2006-2007. This restructuring of shares was established via an original shareholding agreement accepted by all. However, as soon as the factory production started showing profits and employees started gaining with better salaries and compensation, the Ventriglia family decided to disrupt its operations by questioning the legality of the shareholders agreement. However, it was not before the factory’s unethical takeover that Dr. Mahtani had to take action by approaching the Lusaka High Court. Even though the court was approached with all evidences and testimonials, justice was not given despite the case being dragged for more than a decade at the Lusaka High Court. Judge Nkonde on behalf of the Lusaka High Court announced Ventriglias as the only shareholders of the Portland Cement Zambia factory. This decision was extremely controversial and condemned by many as the judge favoured the Ventriglia family despite lack of evidences from their side.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani then approached the higher Court of Appeal which effectively reversed the decision from the Lusaka High Court by announcing Dr. Rajan Mahtani as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory. However, the Ventriglia family once again challenged this decision by approaching the Supreme Court Zambia. The Supreme Court appointed bench of three judges concluded that the case was against the jurisdiction of the SC. This was due to the fact that the Ventriglia family failed to comply with a critical requirement which requires submission of claims against previous court decisions within 14 days of the court decision. As such, the challenge from the Ventriglia family was effectively rejected by the Supreme Court Zambia.
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