Doctors advised that Nelson Mandela's life support should be turned off because he was in a 'permanent vegetative state', court documents show.

The declaration from members of the former president's family came as part of a family dispute over the graves of three of his children.

In documents dated June 26th they said "He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine. The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off".

"Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability."

The "certificate of urgency" document was obtained from a lawyer representing Mandela family members who had successfully sought a court order to return the children's remains to the revered South African leader's childhood home.

The legal battle was launched after Mr. Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela had them moved from the family estate in Qunu to his own village 15 miles away.

The document was presented to South Africa's Eastern Cape High Court as President Jacob Zuma reported that Mandela's health had faltered and cancelled a trip to Mozambique.

Lawyers for Mandela's relatives, family members themselves and government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Meanwhile the South African President Jacob Zuma visited the former President this afternoon to check on his condition. They say he remains critical but stable.

President Zuma thanked the international community for their continued support.

"We appreciate all the love and compassion. Madiba is receiving the best medical care from a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals who are at his bedside around the clock. He is well looked after" he said.

And Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel has also spoken about her husband's condition