Singapore-born surgeon Teoh Kar Hao fatally shot during family vacation in South Africa

SINGAPORE: Tragedy struck an orthopaedic surgeon while he was on a family holiday with his wife and two-year-old son in South Africa.

The surgeon, Teoh Kar Hao, 40, a British citizen originally from Singapore, was fatally shot last Thursday (3 Aug) in Cape Town.

BBC reported that he took a wrong turn while driving from Cape Town International Airport and entered an area near the airport where a taxi drivers’ strike was in progress.

This incident unfolded on Ntlangano Crescent in the Nyanga township. Confirming his demise at approximately 6:30 pm local time, the South African Police Service initiated an investigation into the shooting.

According to Lirandzu Themba, a spokesperson for the police minister, Teoh was driving with two other individuals 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.”

Despite the incident, no arrests have been made in connection with his death.

Regrettably, the protests resulted in five casualties, including Teoh. The UK Foreign Office extended their support to Teoh’s family during this challenging time.

Kar Hao Teoh, a skilled surgeon, was actively practicing at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, located approximately 40km northeast of London.

British hospital hailed fallen surgeon as a valued team member

According to a local press Bishop’s Storford Independent, a statement from Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust on Thursday (10 Aug), acknowledged Teoh’s passing and described him as a respected team member, esteemed colleague, and cherished friend across various medical networks.

“He was a well-respected member of the team, a valued colleague and friend to many across the hospital as well as in regional, national and international trauma and orthopaedic networks.”

“With the consent of Kar Hao’s family, we are able to share this news and we ask that you support Kar Hao’s family and friends with your discretion. We will not be making any further statements at this time.”

In light of his brutal murder, an outpouring of grief and sympathy has emerged for his widow and child. An ongoing JustGiving appeal has already reached over half of its £50,000 (approximately $63,435) target to aid the family.

Alumni of Singapore’s Raffles Institutions honor Teoh’s memory

The sudden passing away of Teoh has ignited condolences and tributes from fellow alumni of Raffles Institution (RI) and Raffles Junior College (RJC), who knew him during his upbringing and education in Singapore.

His LinkedIn profile reveals that he studied at RI and RJC from 1996 to 2001 before relocating to the United Kingdom.

There, he obtained a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh and continued his residence and practice.

Responding to the news of his demise, former classmates of Teoh have collaboratively established an online platform for individuals who knew him to share their reflections, memories, and tributes.

Numerous former classmates, schoolmates, friends, and colleagues of Teoh have taken the opportunity to express their respects and offer condolences to his family through this platform.