South African Lawyer Dies In Freak Courtroom Accident Involving Gun!

A freak accident in a South Africa courtroom claimed the life of a lawyer on Monday when a falling gun shot and killed her.

According to local paper The Times, Addelaid Ferreira Watt (pictured above) was in Ixopo regional court when a loaded firearm on display fell and accidentally fired a bullet.

Police spokesperson Brig. Jay Naicker told the outlet the weapon, which was planned to be used as evidence in a home robbery case, struck Watt in the left hip after it “accidentally discharged in court.” She was taken to the hospital, where she died Monday afternoon.

Naicker added:

“Unfortunately, we cannot divulge further information as the investigations are at a sensitive stage.”

The accident, which occurred in the southeast South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, is currently being investigated by police in nearby Umzimkulu as a case of culpable homicide, per News24.

The region’s director of public prosecutions Elaine Zungu confirmed the death in a statement to the Times, stating:

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing on November 18 of senior state advocate Addelaid Ann Ferreira Watt of the office of the director of public prosecutions, Pietermaritzburg. 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.”

Like the statement said, the prominent senior state advocate’s death was mourned by many. Addelaid’s Facebook page was flooded with tributes on Tuesday from loved ones who remembered her as someone who was “born to rule.”

One tribute described the lawyer as having “outstanding charisma, cool logic, and a compassionate heart.” See (below):

https://www.facebook.com/ric.holt.3/posts/1746668025465890

Another friend remembered her as “a positive, wonderful lady,” writing:

“We will miss you terribly. Adz you touched so many hearts. Rest now my friend.”

Meanwhile, another mourner wrote:

“Addelaid Ferreira Watt you were a one in a million loved by all. 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.”

So incredibly devastating that a simple accident could cost someone her life. Our hearts go out to Addelaid’s loved ones as they continue to grieve.

[Image via Facebook]