British doctor murdered by taxi protesters was led to his death by SAPS, who left him to die while chatting

British tourists in the Cape had a hard encounter with the callous indifference to human life shown by SAPS officers on a regular basis

Newsroom

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Newsroom

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November 10, 2023

British doctor murdered by taxi protesters was led to his death by SAPS, who left him to die while chatting

British doctor Kar Hao Teoh, 40, was shot dead in South Africa during the violent protests in August. But recent details now released suggest partial police responsibility for his loss of life.

Teoh's family criticized SAPS, claiming they directed them into a dangerous area, then refused to help as he lay dying.

Police allegedly directed Teoh into Nyanga, known as the murder capital of South Africa. Teoh was then shot in the head as his family drove through the area.

Family pleaded with six policemen for help, claiming officers ignored them. They even refused to take Teoh to the hospital, offering to drive the family away and leave him to die.

"They said that he is a doctor. 'He saves lives. Please help him. He's a good man.' But one (officer) even suggested we drive Kar Hao to the nearest hospital ourselves." - Sara, Teoh's wife.

"What really broke my heart was that no empathy and care was shown to us in that moment. [The officers] walked away, and continued chatting amongst themselves." - Ainah, Teoh's mother.

By the time an ambulance arrived an hour later, Teoh had already died. His family showed shock and exasperation at the SPAS officers’ callous disregard for duty and human life which most South Africans have grown accustomed to.

Teoh was a decorated surgeon and consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the UK.  His colleagues praise him as a kind, gentle person and a dedicated and talented surgeon. Teoh won research awards and was a well-respected member of the medical community.

A JustGiving page is set up in Teoh's memory, inviting people to share fond memories for his young son.

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