DOCTORS TREATING NELSON Mandela said that he was in a “permanent vegetative state” and advised his family to turn off his life support machine, according to court documents dated 26 June, obtained by AFP Thursday.

“He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine,” said a legal filing related to a family dispute over reburying the remains of Mandela’s three children.

“The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.”

Earlier today, current president Jacob Zuma visited his predecessor, issuing an official statement to update the nation on his condition. He described him as “critical but stable”.

Meanwhile, a family row about where Madiba will be buried rumbles on.