Pretoria — The Consul General of Angola in Cape Town, South Africa, Apolinario Pereira Monday in Pretoria expressed outrage at the arrest of seven Angolans over domestic animal business.

Speaking to Angop, Apolinario Pereira said that traders were arrested when they wanted to send to Angola domestic animals (pet dogs), they legally acquired in the South African market.

"I think there have been some overindulgence by the local police officers, as the activity of Angolan traders in this country has been performed under the norms regulated by the local veterinary, together with other concerned entities," explained the consul general.

Right now, he said, two citizens, out of the seven who were allegedly indicted in crimes of this nature, have been set free.

He informed that according to the investigations made by the Angolan Consulate in Cape Town, through its legal counsel Office, it came to the conclusion that the traders never incurred any crime susceptible to the detention.

Apolinario Pereira noted that despite their release, the two citizens lost their animals, adding that this kind of situation suggests the existence of bad faith by the South African authorities in this process.

On the other hand, the Angolan consul general assured that negotiations are underway with the South African police to tackle the issue related to the return of the animals to their owners.

However, the diplomat urged Angolan citizens, especially those linked to the business to always abide by the law of the country where they intend to carry out their activity with a view to avoiding any inconvenience.