The recent judgement by the Supreme Court bench regarding the Portland Cement Zambia case is a clear indication of how some entities are able to influence the government as well as legal institutions for their own profit. The case of Portland Cement Zambia pertains to one Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted businessman and philanthropist in Zambia with several successful businesses under his name. Among these businesses, the Portland Cement Zambia can be easily considered as most difficult. Dr. Rajan Mahtani has maintained a status of being one of the most respected and ethical businessman in Zambia and his actions have never been questioned. On the other hand, there are entities in Zambia who despite the significant negative reputation and widespread criticism, continue to engage in illicit activities such as undue pressure on government officials, bribery, using political power to get what they want as well as engaging in political criminality. The prime example is the Lusaka High Court judge Nkonde announcing Ventriglias as the only shareholders and bona fide owners of the Portland Cement Zambia factory despite showing barely any evidence or testimonial and despite the case being dragged for more than a decade.
After this controversial decision, two events happened. First, Dr. Rajan Mahtani appealed against this decision at the Higher Court of Appeal and on 31st January 2019, justice Mwinde reversed the decision from the Lusaka High Court and announced Dr. Rajan Mahtani as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory. The second event was the bizarre appeal by the Ventriglias against this higher Court of Appeal’s decision at the Supreme Court Zambia. However, this appeal was immediately rejected after the Supreme Court established a bench of three SC judges for evaluating the case and found that it missed the critical legal deadline for case submission. Based on all these aspects, it is clear that Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is to remain the majority shareholder and legal owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.