An incident in court that many local outlets are deeming a ‘freak accident’ has now left one person dead.
Senior state advocate and South African lawyer, Addelaid Ferreira Watt, was in Ixopo Regional Court on Monday when she was fatally shot by a loaded-gun on display that fell and accidentally discharged.
Police spokesperson Brig. Jay Naicker spoke out about the incident in a statement stating, “The weapon was allegedly in court to be used as evidence in a home robbery case. Watt was struck in the left hip and was taken to the hospital, where she died Monday afternoon. Unfortunately, we cannot divulge further information as the investigations are at a sensitive stage,” he concluded.
The South African province of KwaZulu-Natal director of public prosecutions released a statement to the Times regarding the incident stating, “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of on November 18 of senior state advocate Addelaid Ann Ferreira Watt.”
“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,” Elaine Zungu added.
Since news of Watt’s passing, her Facebook page has been overflowing with tributes & condolences.
“Addelaid Ferreira Watt, you were one in a million loved by all,” one friend wrote. “I am absolutely devastated to hear about your death. We had plans to meet today after you got back from Ixopo, which makes this even worse, as I was looking forward to seeing you again. Rest in peace, my dearest friend, you will be missed.”
According to News24, Nearby police in Umzimkhulu are currently investigating the case as culpable homicide.
