Tributes to British surgeon Kar Hao Teoh killed in South Africa

Kar Hao Teoh was killed during protests in Nyanga, Cape Town

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.

'Exceptional mind'

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.

Mr Teoh was a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital

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.

South Africa officials said five people were killed in riots during the taxi strike in Cape Town

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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