Latest
4 hours ago
Constitutional Sheriffs Group Plans To Insert Itself Into More Aspects Of The Voting Process In 2024
8 hours ago
Flurry Of Unusual New Developments In Trump Hush Money Trial
1 day ago
Arizona Republicans Gleefully Shoot Down Democrats’ Attempts To Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban
2 days ago
First Seven Jurors Selected Over Objections From Uncontained Trump

Report: Nelson Mandela In ‘Permanent Vegetative State’

Former South African President Nelson Mandela reacts at the Mandela foundation, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday June 2, 2009, during a meeting with a group of American and South African students as part of a s... Former South African President Nelson Mandela reacts at the Mandela foundation, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday June 2, 2009, during a meeting with a group of American and South African students as part of a series of activities leading to Mandela Day on July 18th. MORE LESS
By Catherine Thompson
|
July 4, 2013 10:39 a.m.
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Court documents show that doctors treating South African civil rights icon Nelson Mandela said he was in a “permanent vegetative state” and advised his family to take him off life support, Agence France-Presse reported Thursday.

“He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine,” said a court filing dated June 26 obtained by AFP. “The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.”

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj would not give comment to AFP on the documents.

“We have indicated from our point of view that based on the doctors’ report the condition of the former president is critical but stable at this stage,” he told AFP.

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter
Author Headshot
Catherine Thompson (@kt_thomps)  Catherine Thompson is a senior editor for Talking Points Memo in New York City. She came to the site in 2013 and reported on national affairs. Previously, she worked as a research assistant to investigative reporter Wayne Barrett. She can be reached at catherine@talkingpointsmemo.com.
 Have a tip? Send it Here!
Latest Livewire
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Investigations Desk:
Reporters:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: