Heartbreaking last holiday pics & messages of Brit doc shot dead in front of family after taking wrong turn from airport

A FRIEND of the British surgeon who was shot dead in front of his family says the last message he received from him were photos from his holiday.

Kar Hao Teoh’s car was blown up several times after making a wrong turn in the middle of a riot in riot-torn Nyanga, near Cape Town Airport.

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The 40-year-old was shot dead in the South African city in front of his wife Sara and their two-year-old son Hugo accidentally drove into a riot from the airport.

His pal Danny Wong has now revealed that the last time he heard from Mr Teoh he shared photos from his holiday.

He said, “Kar Hao’s last messages to me were pictures from his safari trip, a picture of some crocodiles and elephants in the swamp.”

“And also some pictures of the outdoor stove he bought so his in-laws could have a wet kitchen to cook with.

“We talked about how he could put an awning outside in his garden so the cooker can be used outdoors in the shade.

“Everyone at school knew who Kar Hao was. You could never miss him in a crowd.”

“This tall, lanky Chinese guy with a prominent mark on his left cheek, always smiling. All his teachers loved him. His friends at school all liked him.”

Community worker Dumisani Qwebe revealed how he saw Mr Teoh, who was slumped in the passenger seat of his silver Toyota Rav 4 holiday rental car, killed by a single bullet.

The area has seen clashes on the road sparked by a week-long taxi drivers’ strike and the Singapore-born Briton is said to have been killed when he stopped the car.

Police liaison officer Mr Qwebe found the victim’s traumatized wife Sara and their two-year-old son Hugo shaking with shock near the scene of the crime.

He had been driving through the troubled area when officers cordoned off the area shortly after the shooting.

Mr Qwebe, secretary of the Nyanga Community Police Forum, told The Sun: “The doors were wide open so I could see inside.”

“Both the windshield and the driver’s window were shattered by gunfire and the driver fell into the passenger seat.

“Several shots were fired and it looked like one hit him in the head.”

A few minutes later, the officer entered Nyanga Police Station, where he saw the victim’s family members – two women in their 40s and a child.

The three passengers – including Hugo – were taken to hospital for treatment for severe trauma.

Mr Qwebe said: “I could see that they were all very traumatised.”

‘EXAMPLE’

“They were still shaking and the police were trying to calm them down. They didn’t look hurt, but there were bloodstains on their clothes.”

A Cape Town Police spokesman said Mr Teoh was found dead in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the head.

Mr Teoh, from Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, has worked as a trauma and orthopedic consultant and has been the recipient of several international fellowships.

He was stationed at the NHS Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

Harley Street colleague Professor Paul Lee described the doctor as a “guiding light” in an emotional tribute.

He said, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and dear friend, Mr. Kar Teoh, a respected trauma and orthopedic consultant, who left us far too soon.”

“He was a guiding star in our professional world, a loyal friend and a cornerstone of many significant projects.”

“For those of us who have had the privilege of calling him a friend and colleague, Kar was a trustworthy and steadfast figure.

“The loss of Mr. Kar Teoh leaves a void in our hearts and in our community.

“His professional dedication was unparalleled, but it is his personal warmth, dedication to friendship and unwavering support that we will remember fondly.”

Prof. Lee said a JustGiving A page has been set up in Mr Teoh’s memory to support his family – who have raised more than £30,000.

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