11-8-2023 (JOHANNESBURG) The world was stunned by the untimely demise of Teoh Kar Hao, a 40-year-old consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, who met a tragic end while on vacation with his family in South Africa. The heart-wrenching incident unfolded on August 3, when Teoh, a native of Singapore who held British citizenship, was fatally shot during a protest in the country.
Teoh’s life was cut short in a horrifying turn of events that saw him caught in the midst of a demonstration by taxi drivers. Reports suggest that he had taken a wrong turn while driving from Cape Town International Airport, inadvertently leading him into the vicinity of the protest.
The devastating incident occurred at approximately 12.30am Singapore time, with Teoh losing his life due to a gunshot wound to the head. Tragically, his wife and young son were also present during this harrowing incident, witnessing the unthinkable unfold before their eyes. The family was subsequently rushed to a hospital for medical attention, while investigations into the incident continue.
The South African authorities confirmed that Teoh was one of five casualties who lost their lives during the strike on that fateful day. While the incident has left a community reeling with grief, no arrests have been made in connection with Teoh’s tragic death.
Teoh’s ties to Singapore ran deep, having pursued his education at Raffles Institution (RI) and Raffles Junior College (RJC) between 1996 and 2001. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from former classmates, schoolmates, friends, and colleagues who had known him during his formative years in Singapore.
Born in Singapore, Teoh identified himself as hailing from the city-state on his Facebook profile. While his birth citizenship and subsequent British citizenship remain unclear, his impact on those who knew him is undeniable.
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, friends of Teoh rallied together to create a fundraising page on Just Giving, aimed at providing support for his grieving family. The initiative has garnered remarkable support, with £28,749 (approximately $49,000) raised at the time of writing.
A touching testament to his memory, the fundraising page also encouraged friends and well-wishers to share cherished memories, photographs, letters, and stories about Teoh. These heartfelt contributions will be collected and compiled for Teoh’s two-year-old son, Hugo, ensuring that he grows up with a vivid understanding of the extraordinary individual his father was.
