A Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman said in Beijing Tuesday that the Chinese side has urged South Africa to "take substantial measures" to protect the life and property of Chinese citizens living in the country.

Three Chinese businesspeople were killed by armed robbers in South Africa within the space of 36 hours last weekend; another one was killed earlier this year.

"The Chinese government is deeply concerned with the continual robbery cases which have caused Chinese casualties," Spokesman Kong Quan told a regular press conference.

He urged South African police to strengthen their investigation on the cases and to punish the criminals.

Kong also appealed to Chinese citizens in South Africa to keep alert and take necessary defensive measures.

More than 40 armed robbery cases against Chinese citizens occurred in South Africa last year, resulting in eight fatalities.

Source: Xinhua