THOHOYANDOU - The Tanganani/Gopanang pyramid schemes fraud master, Frank Kutumba Kwezi (33), challenged the Thohoyandou High Court on Tuesday, saying that an independent judge outside the Vhembe region should preside over the case, or be transferred to the Gauteng Province.

Kwezi and Dorkas Pitso were arrested after absconding with an amount of R16 million, six years ago.

He told the court that Judge George Hetisani may take sides when passing judgement. He further said that Judge Hetisani had studied his legal courses in Venda and he would not pass a fair judgement.

After a recess, Judge Hetisani told Kwezi that the proceedings would be fair and that the court would abide with the law when passing the judgement.

He added that the request that the case should be heard in Gauteng was nonsense.

In previous appearances in court, both Pitso and Kwezi pleaded not guilty to fraud charges.