Prosecutor Dies in ‘Freak Accident’ After Gun Falls in Court and Shoots Her

[Aim1]

Tragic. Why have a loaded gun as a piece of evidence? I thought this really didn't happen in real life. The o'l "I dropped it and it shot them" defense.

From the article:

"A South African lawyer was shot and killed by a falling gun in court on Monday in what has been described by local outlets as a “freak accident.”

Addelaid Ferreira Watt, 51, a senior state advocate, was in Ixopo regional court when a loaded gun on display fell and accidentally fired a shot, South African newspaper The Times reported.

The weapon was allegedly in court to be used as evidence in a home robbery case, police spokesperson Brig. Jay Naicker told the outlet in a statement."





https://people.com/human-interest/prosecutor-dies-freak-accident-gun-falls-court-shoots-her/amp/

 

[22250Rem]

Tragic.... If it was a gun that was evidence in the case the police would have had it, wouldn't they ? I can't believe that someone in possession of that gun didn't check to ensure it was unloaded. A terrible accident that could have been avoided with the most basic understanding of firearm safety. I'm sure this will result in a written procedure for all to follow regarding firearms that are in that situation.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Wow, that's crazy.
I've seen a few firearms in court and they all had zip ties through the action, where it wouldn't even close.
I can't fathom them not at least clearing the weapon before entering it into evidence.

Every piece of evidence that is entered into a criminal file has a chain of evidence log. You can bet they're already looking at that, figuring out who's head is going to roll.

 

[bearcreek]

I can't believe that someone in possession of that gun didn't check to ensure it was unloaded.

I can't fathom them not at least clearing the weapon before entering it into evidence.

You would be amazed at the level of incompetence amongst the police and military in some places.

 

[Archie]

One is rather curious about the arm being loaded and 'displayed as evidence', and what kind of handgun is involved.

One is also sad about the lady killed. An obvious (to me, a long way away) needless occurrence.

 

[22250Rem]

You would be amazed at the level of incompetence amongst the police and military in some places.

........ Not only amazed, but shocked;.......... Still can't believe that somebody in the chain of custody failed to put that gun in a safe condition... such as unloaded with a zip tie through the action; as has been mentioned. But when you think about it, it's true that in some parts of the world gun safety is an unknown concept.

 

[Trey Veston]

........ Not only amazed, but shocked;.......... Still can't believe that somebody in the chain of custody failed to put that gun in a safe condition... such as unloaded with a zip tie through the action; as has been mentioned. But when you think about it, it's true that in some parts of the world gun safety is an unknown concept.

South Africa is ranked 95th out of 112 countries in terms of IQ with an average IQ of 70. The US has an average of 98.

https://www.worlddata.info/iq-by-country.php

70 and below is considered the benchmark for mental retardation.

Stupid stuff like this occurring does not surprise me in the least.

 

[jmorris]

They say, “all guns are loaded” for a reason. Maybe if she were a gun person and was in the habit of visually confirming the condition of every firearm in hand, tragedy could have been avoided.

 

[frankmako]

South Africa, do I have to say anymore.

 

[Robert]

That's horrible, but not EVERY news story involving a gun is fit for THR.