Tributes to British surgeon Kar Hao Teoh killed in South Africa

A British surgeon who was shot dead in South Africa has been described as "exceptional" and a "rising star".

Kar Hao Teoh, 40, was a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex.

Police believed he was driving in Cape Town last Thursday when he took a wrong turn towards groups of protesters.

Mr Teoh is believed to have lived with his family in Bishop's Stortford, in Hertfordshire.

A spokesman for the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust said: "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."

A spokesman at the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society described him as a "rising star" of the profession and added: "He was remembered by colleagues past and present as a kind, gentle person; a dedicated and talented surgeon."

Bedri Karaismailoglu, a surgeon from Istanbul, said he was a close friend of Mr Teoh's having met at a European Foot and Ankle Society congress in Lyon, France, in 2021.

"He possessed an exceptional mind and was a friend with whom spending time was always a pleasure," said Mr Karaismailoglu.

South African officials said five people were killed during the protests that related to a minicab taxi strike.

Colonel Andrè Traut, of the South African Police Service, said officers were investigating the shooting, which happened at about 18:30 local time in Ntlangano Crescent in the Nyanga township.

He said the victim was found by officers in the driver's seat and the passengers - including an infant - were taken to hospital for "medical treatment".

Lirandzu Themba, a spokeswoman for the police minister, said: "The 40-year-old doctor was driving with two other persons in the vehicle.

"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."

She said no arrests had been made over his death.

A crowdfunding page set up for Mr Teoh's family - including for his two-year-old son - has raised more than £25,000.

The UK Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in South Africa and are in contact with the local authorities."

The UK updated its travel advice following the violence in Cape Town last week.

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