British surgeon shot dead in Cape Town after driving into a riot
Published
A British surgeon has been shot dead in front of his family while on holiday in South Africa.
Kar Hao Teoh, 40, was shot in the head after taking the wrong turning from the airport and driving into a riot.
Dr Teoh, 40, was with his wife Sara and two-year-old son Hugo.
The incident happened in Nyanga, Cape Town.
The area has been plagued with riots sparked by a week-long taxi driver strike.
Five people have already died.
A Cape Town police spokesman said:
“The deceased was seated in the driver seat with a gunshot wound to the head.
“Two passengers in shock and an infant were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.”
Mr Teoh, from Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, worked as a trauma and orthopaedic consultant and had been awarded several international fellowships.
Harley Street colleague Professor Paul 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.
“He was a guiding light in our professional community, a devoted friend, and a cornerstone of many significant projects.
“For those of us privileged to call him a friend and colleague, Kar was a trustworthy and steadfast presence.
“The loss of Mr Kar Teoh leaves a void in our hearts and community.
“His professional dedication was unparalleled, but it was his personal warmth, his commitment to friendship, and his unwavering support that we will remember most fondly.”
Lirandzu Themba, the spokeswoman for the police minister, said:
“The doctor took a wrong turn towards Nyanga.
“In Ntlangano Crescent a number of suspects approached his vehicle, shot and killed him. No arrests yet.”
A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed it was supporting Mr Teoh’s family and speaking to local authorities.
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