A Lawyer has been reportedly confirmed dead after being shot with a gun that was presented as evidence in a court case.
According to reports, The South African advocate Addelaid Ferreira-watt was accidentally shot in Ixopo Regional Court on Monday after the gun was accidentally dropped on the floor, causing it to fire and rip a hole in her left hip.
According to The Sunday Times of South African Reports, after the accidental shooting, the court staff attempted to stop the bleeding while they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
But despite everyone’s efforts, including the paramedics, the lawyer was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
The shooting has been tagged as an accidental homicide, as further investigations are being carried out.
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Brigadier Jay Naicker, who is the spokesperson for the police said:
“It is alleged on Monday at 3.20pm a 51-year-old woman was taken to hospital after she was struck by a shot to the left hip.
“She later died in hospital. It is alleged that the weapon was brought to court to be entered as evidence in a house robbery case when it accidentally discharged in court.
“Unfortunately, we cannot divulge further information as the investigations are at a sensitive stage.”
Elaine Zungu, who is the KwaZulu-Natal director of public prosecutions confirmed the lawyers death on Monday.
She said: “Her untimely passing is mourned by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. The family has requested that their privacy be respected.”