Almost everyone associated with the corporate world or the industry environment of Zambia has knowledge of the Portland Cement Zambia case. It is the case of a cement-manufacturing factory which is being contested at The Lusaka High Court for its legal ownership. The case was initially registered by Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted businessman and industrialist in Zambia with more than three decades of business experience. He is owner of successful and top business ventures in Zambia including Mahtani Group of Companies, Finance Bank Zambia and Finsbury Investment. He is also responsible for bringing several high-profile foreign investments in Zambia and is continuously working towards the growth and development of the Zambian community.
In spite of these achievements and contributions, Dr. Mahtani has not respite as he continues to work gaining legal ownership of the factory. The case of Portland Cement Zambia has been continuing for almost 10 years without any final verdict. However, the current judge overseeing the case made some progress few months earlier when he announced closure of the case hearing. This indicated that the case will no longer proceed with hearings or arguments. Both parties then submitted their evidences, testimonials and other updated documents based on which, the judge was supposed to announce final verdict.
The final verdict was positively expected by Dr. Mahtani as his evidences were strong with numerous factual data and information. Some of the evidences such as the independent audit report conducted by an independent auditor clearly established the fact that Dr. Rajan Mahtani was the sole joint venture owner of the factory with highest number of shares. However, the final verdict was announced against his claim which shocked almost everyone. As a result, Dr. Rajan Mahtani took the critical step of approaching the higher court of Zambia and making an appeal to the higher court against the judgment at Lusaka High Court.