The Truth And Reconciliation (TRC) report has judged the long-time Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi , responsible for atrocities committed by his followers.

The 70-year-old politician is also Home Affairs Minister in President Mandela's national unity government.

The TRC said that members of his party were responsible for violent attacks on members of the African National Congress (ANC) and other political opponents.

Mr Buthelezi has also been found accountable for the human rights violations of the KwaZulu homeland government and its police force.

The TRC said that his supporters were responsible for violent attacks on members of the ANC and other political opponents.

Long-time leader

Mr Buthelezi, who has refused to seek amnesty for his actions under apartheid, has been variously portrayed as a supporter of black liberation, an apartheid stooge and a Zulu nationalist separatist.

One commentator on South African politics describes him as being "capable of switching between unbridled charm and ruthless bellicosity, and between ardent Zulu nationalism and friendly liberalism."

He draws support from rural KwaZulu-Natal with his fierce espousal of Zulu tribal traditions. He has served as acting president while Nelson Mandela was absent abroad.

His position in the South African government has brought the IFP closer to the ruling ANC. During the 1980s there was a bloody turf war between the two parties in KwaZulu-Natal province which left 14,000 people dead.