LUSAKA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Zambia is seeking ways of protecting its citizens from being attacked by criminals in South Africa while on business trips to the country, local media reported Thursday.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha was quoted by Times of Zambia as saying the Zambian government had written South African authorities over the deteriorating security situation faced by Zambians traveling there.

    A few Zambian businessmen have been shot dead recently when they traveled to South Africa for business while another business woman was reportedly strangled by unknown criminals, raising calls at home to address the security issues.

    Shikapwasha said he was already communicating with his South African counterpart over the issue and advised Zambians traveling there to inform the country's High Commission for protection.

    He urged the South African authority to do more to protect the lives of Zambians as well as others. Enditem