‘Loving family man’ doctor killed in South Africa after taking wrong turn was a highly-decorated surgeon who had won multiple international awards
- Mr Teoh was on holiday when he was shot dead after taking a wrong turn
The British doctor shot dead during violent protests in South Africa last week was a highly-decorated surgeon and recipient of multiple international awards, it has been revealed.
Kar Hao Teoh, 40, was reportedly killed in front of his wife and two-year-old son after taking a wrong turn from the airport while holidaying in Cape Town on August 3.
Paying tribute to Mr Teoh, colleagues at the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society described him as a ‘kind, gentle person’ and a ‘dedicated and talented surgeon’ who was a ‘rising star of the foot and ankle world’.
They said the leading trauma and orthopaedics specialist had ‘already made a big impact’, awarded several international fellowships for his work, and described him as a ‘loving family man’ whose ‘sudden and tragic death … shocked us all’.
Mr Teoh also won the Presidential Prize at the European Foot and Ankle Society conference in Lyon for his research into the treatment of ankle fractures in 2021.
Mr Teoh, who was born in Singapore but had British nationality, was one of five who have died in violence during the strike which has been going on for a week.
Violent strikes have broken out across the city of Nyanga since police officers introduced new measures to crack down on illegal vehicles last week.
The surgeon was a leading specialist, shot dead after taking a wrong turn in South Africa
The death comes amid violence across Cape Town in response to police impounding illegal vehicles. Pictured: Residents of Masiphumelele gather near burning tyres amid protests
A resident of Masiphumelele uses a board as a shield during clashes with law enforcement amidst an ongoing strike by taxi operators against traffic authorities in Cape Town, August 8
Members of the South African police stand near a burnt-out vehicle in Nyanga during the ongoing strike by taxi operators in Cape Town, South Africa, August 7, 2023
Mr Teoh was on holiday in Cape Town when he was killed on August 3.
A police spokesperson said: ‘From the airport he apparently took a wrong turn off and headed towards Nyanga.
‘In Ntlangano Crescent a number of suspects approached his vehicle, shot and killed him.’
The surgeon leaves behind his wife and a two-year-old son, who were holidaying with him at the time.
Mr Teoh studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and the University of Dundee, before going on to complete higher surgical training in the Wales Deanery.
He won numerous research awards and was later elected a member of the Faculty of Surgical Trainers by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh in recognition of his teaching work.
A spokesperson for the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he worked, said: ‘Sadly, we can confirm that Mr Kar Hao Teoh, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, has died.
‘He was a well-respected member of the team, valued colleague and friend to many across the hospital as well as in regional, national and international trauma and orthopaedic networks.’
Mr Teoh also worked privately for MSK Doctors, and close friend Professor Paul Lee paid tribute to him with a moving tribute online.
Professor Lee said: ‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Mr Kar Teoh, a respected Trauma and Orthopaedic consultant who left us too soon on August 3, 2023.
‘Mr Teoh was more than a triple board certified specialist in Trauma and Foot & Ankle surgery.
‘He was a guiding light in our professional community, a devoted friend, and a cornerstone of many significant projects,’ he said.
‘Kar’s commitment to medical excellence was recognised in several prestigious international travelling Fellowships (BOA, BOFAS, AO, SICOT, EFORT, IBRA), and he was an ardent proponent of research, and undergraduate and postgraduate education.
‘Yet, his professional accolades only paint part of the picture. For those of us privileged to call him a friend and colleague, Kar was a trustworthy and steadfast presence.’
He added: ‘The loss of Mr. Kar Teoh leaves a void in our hearts and our community.’
Lee said he was instrumental in the establishment and success of WelshBone in 2007, MSK Doctors in 2017, and the MSK Regen conference in 2023.
‘In each of these initiatives, Kar offered his unwavering support and played a critical role in their success.
His cousin Sancy Low, wrote on Facebook: ‘He had a great sense of humour and would have wanted things to be light and fuss-free.’
A JustGiving page has also been set up in memory of Mr Teoh, inviting those close to Mr Teoh to share fond memories to be compiled for his young son.
The page reads: ‘The sudden and tragic loss of Mr. Kar H Teoh has left a void in our hearts.
‘Kar was not just a respected Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant but also a dear friend, a dedicated colleague, and a loving family man.
‘His contributions to the medical field, showcased his unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare.
‘Beyond these professional achievements, Kar was known for his kindness, warmth, and steadfast support for those around him.’
Mr Kar Teoh, 40, was a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire
A law enforcement officer fires rubber bullets during their clashes with protesters in Masiphumelele amidst an ongoing strike by taxi operators
A protester blocks the streets with stones and rubble during an ongoing strike by taxi operators against traffic authorities, in Msiphumelele, Cape Town, South Africa, August 8
Law enforcement officers detain a protestor amidst an ongoing strike by taxi operators against traffic authorities in Msiphumelele, Cape Town, South Africa, August 8
Since last week, furious campaigners connected to the influential private taxi industry have launched stones at cars and buses and and set some alight.
It came after a new municipal law gave local authorities power to impound vehicles for driving without a licence or registration plates, and not wearing a seatbelt.
The taxis’ national union has said its members aren’t instigating the violence and others are using the strike as an excuse to launch their own protests.
But millions of workers and schoolchildren have been forced to stay at home and deliveries of food have been interrupted amid the protests.
Geordin Hill-Lewis, Cape Town’s mayor, said he would stand firm against the sector.
‘In Cape Town, violence will never be tolerated as a negotiating tactic. We reiterate our call on SANTACO [the taxi union] to return peacefully to the negotiation table,’ he said.
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