Nelson Mandela in a vegetative state and family advised to switch off life support

Former SA President Nelson Mandela

Court documents in a bitter family feud amongst the Mandelas show that the nonagenarian is in a perilous state of health. The documents reveal that Nelson Mandela is in a 'permanent vegetative state' and is being kept alive by life-support machines.

Doctors have also advised the family to switch off the life support equipment so as not to prolong his suffering and the family is said to be considering that option.

Former South Africa President, Nelson Mandela has been in and out of hospitals in the recent times, following breathing complications stemming from the time he was imprisoned for 27 years during the apartheid regime.