“Top British Orthopaedic Surgeon Shot and Killed in South Africa on Family Holiday”

A British doctor, Kar Hao Teoh, was shot and killed in South Africa while on a family holiday. Teoh, who was born in Singapore but had British nationality, was a top orthopaedic surgeon and had been working for the NHS and privately. He was one of five people who died in violence during a strike in Cape Town. The strike was triggered by the impounding of illegal vehicles by police officers. The death of Teoh has sparked concerns about the safety of tourists in the country. By Nick Pisa James Reynolds Elena Salvoni reported

A highly esteemed orthopaedic surgeon from Britain was tragically shot and killed while on a family vacation in South Africa. Kar Hao Teoh, a 40-year-old doctor who held both Singaporean and British nationality, was driving with his wife and two-year-old son when they took a wrong turn from Cape Town airport. This led them into a violent scene caused by ongoing strikes in the city. Mr. Teoh, who worked for the NHS and also had a private practice, was recognized internationally for his expertise in trauma and orthopaedic surgery and had received numerous prestigious fellowships for his work. He was based at the NHS Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and resided in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire with his family.

The strikes in Cape Town erupted after the police began impounding illegal vehicles. This has resulted in clashes and violent incidents across the city, and unfortunately, Mr. Teoh became a victim of this unrest. Two years ago, he was awarded the Presidential Prize at the European Foot and Ankle Society conference for his groundbreaking research on ankle fractures. He also worked privately for MSK Doctors and was highly regarded by his close friend Professor Paul Lee.

Professor Lee expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of Mr. Teoh, describing him as a respected colleague and a guiding light in the medical community. He highlighted Mr. Teoh’s commitment to excellence, his involvement in significant projects, and his dedication to research and education. He also emphasized Mr. Teoh’s personal qualities, such as his trustworthiness and unwavering support for various initiatives. Professor Lee extended his condolences to Mr. Teoh’s family and loved ones and encouraged people to share their memories to ensure that his legacy lives on.

A Just Giving page was set up in Mr. Teoh’s memory, with the aim of raising £50,000. Already, the page has received more than £25,000 in donations. Mr. Teoh’s cousin, Sancy Low, described him as having a great sense of humor and would have wanted things to be light and fuss-free.

The British doctor’s death occurred in Nyanga, a notoriously dangerous area in South Africa where daily murders are alarmingly high. The Western Cape province, which includes Cape Town, has taken a tough stance on the unregulated minibus taxi industry, known for its reckless driving and unsafe vehicles. The ongoing strikes by taxi operators have disrupted the lives of millions of workers and school children, with food deliveries being interrupted. Tourist authorities are concerned that the violent confrontations will deter visitors from coming to the country.

The South African national taxi council has called for action after failing to reach an agreement with the local government over a new law that affects their business. The Foreign Office in London has provided support and assistance to the family of the deceased British man and has advised Britons to remain vigilant. Cape Town’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has taken a firm stance against the violence, stating that it will not be tolerated as a negotiating tactic and urging the taxi union to return to peaceful negotiations..