Addelaid Ferreira-Watt, 62, a senior barrister, was shot in the thigh and is believed to have died from blood loss in the freak incident on Monday at the regional court at Ixopo, 85 miles from Durban.

The shotgun had been stolen and was being used in evidence after having been returned to its owner.

Police spokesman brigadier Jay Naicker said: “The firearm was then brought back to court to be used during the trial. From what we can gather, as the firearm was about to be handed into court as evidence a shot went off, which struck advocate Watt in her left thigh, and she was rushed to hospital where she passed away.”

William Booth, a barrister, said there was no reason for the weapon to be in court.

“Physical exhibits rarely have to be brought to court; reports and photographs of them are quite sufficient and stolen items are not required to be presented,” he said, adding: “It is hard to comprehend this level of negligence.”

Elaine Zungo, the KwaZulu-Natal Director of Public Prosecutions, said Ms Ferreira-Watt’s “untimely passing would be mourned by all”.

Police said a case of culpable homicide is being investigated.