The court hearing in George ended this week as it had begun with a composed and resolute P.W. Botha sitting listening to evidence alleging that he not only knew of state-sponsored assassinations and killings under his government but that he also did nothing to stop them.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaking at the trial of P.W. Botha

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had wanted to ask Mr Botha in private the extent to which he was aware of these activities.

His refusal to testify has led to this court case in which all of the charges against him are being read out in public.

After giving evidence in court, Archbishop Desmond Tutu made an emotional appeal to Mr Botha calling on the former President for an apology to the people who had suffered under the apartheid government.

He gave a vigorous defence of the Commission's efforts to uncover human rights violations under the apartheid government in South Africa.

Mr Botha's defence lawyers have sought to discredit the Truth and Reconciliation Commission alleging that it is biased and badly organised.