A lawyer has died after she was shot by a weapon in a courtroom in South Africa.

According to the story from News.com.au, a shotgun that was being introduced as evidence was dropped, causing it to discharge,striking attorney Addelaid Ferreira-Watt in the hip. She later died at an area hospital.

Family members noted on social media tat Ferreira-Watt was a "loving and caring mother... dear friend... and beautiful woman".

Questions are being raised as to why the weapon and ammunition weren't submitted as independent pieces of evidence, as is customary.

Ferreira-Watt was 51.