State advocate Addelaid Ferreira-Watt dies after accidental shooting at court
The prosecutor was the victim of, presumably, bizarre incompetence on Monday.
Addelaid Ann Ferreira Watt Picture: Facebook
It has been confirmed that senior state advocate Addelaid Ferreira-Watt, who was shot in the hip at court in a “freak accident” on Monday, has died.
She was shot at the regional court in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal and admitted to hospital after after the firearm accidentally went off in court.
KwaZulu-Natal director of public prosecutions Elaine Zungu said that she died on Monday. The weapon had apparently fallen and then discharged itself. It had been brought into court as evidence in a house robbery.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker on Tuesday said the 51-year-old was taken to hospital after she was “struck by a bullet on the left of the hip”.
“Unfortunately, we cannot divulge further information as the investigations are at a sensitive stage,” he said.
“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,” Zungu also said in a notice to staff.
“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.”
A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by Umzimkhulu SAPS.
Several people, including former Hawks KZN boss Johan Booysen, have expressed their shock at Ferreira-Watt’s death.
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