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Former South Africa leader dies Former South Africa leader dies
(20 minutes later)
Former South African President PW Botha has died at his home in the Western Cape at the age of 90 after 17 years in retirement.Former South African President PW Botha has died at his home in the Western Cape at the age of 90 after 17 years in retirement.
He died peacefully, said a member of his security staff, Frikkie Lucas.He died peacefully, said a member of his security staff, Frikkie Lucas.
Botha, known by Afrikaaners as the Great Crocodile, led white minority rule between 1978 and 1989 - during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle.Botha, known by Afrikaaners as the Great Crocodile, led white minority rule between 1978 and 1989 - during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle.
He was succeeded by South Africa's last white President, FW de Klerk, who led the country to multi-racial elections.He was succeeded by South Africa's last white President, FW de Klerk, who led the country to multi-racial elections.
The former president was regarded as a relic and someone stuck in a bit of a time warp, says the BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg.The former president was regarded as a relic and someone stuck in a bit of a time warp, says the BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg.
He had recently been admitted to hospital for a routine check-up and was then discharged.He had recently been admitted to hospital for a routine check-up and was then discharged.
The ruling African National Congress, which was outlawed under Botha, was among the first to offer condolences.
"The African National Congress wishes his family strength and comfort at this difficult time," it said in a statement.
'No regrets''No regrets'
During his rule, Botha defied international criticism and refused to release Nelson Mandela, the country's most famous political prisoner.During his rule, Botha defied international criticism and refused to release Nelson Mandela, the country's most famous political prisoner.
Botha was later summoned to appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a panel set up by then President Mandela's government to probe abuses.Botha was later summoned to appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a panel set up by then President Mandela's government to probe abuses.
In 1998 the panel concluded that Botha was guilty of gross human rights violations.In 1998 the panel concluded that Botha was guilty of gross human rights violations.
Thousands were detained without trial during his presidency, while others were tortured and killed. However, he refused to apologise for apartheid.Thousands were detained without trial during his presidency, while others were tortured and killed. However, he refused to apologise for apartheid.
Although some cosmetic reforms were introduced in 1983, allowing Indians and Coloureds into parliament, Botha made no headway in terms of advancing political freedom.Although some cosmetic reforms were introduced in 1983, allowing Indians and Coloureds into parliament, Botha made no headway in terms of advancing political freedom.
He failed to satisfy those on either side of the country's racial divide - or international opinion - and eventually resigned after a power struggle within his cabinet.He failed to satisfy those on either side of the country's racial divide - or international opinion - and eventually resigned after a power struggle within his cabinet.
He led a quiet life with his second wife Barbara in a seaside resort in on the Western Cape coast for almost two decades.He led a quiet life with his second wife Barbara in a seaside resort in on the Western Cape coast for almost two decades.
In a interview to mark his 90th birthday he suggested that he had no regrets about the way he ran the country.In a interview to mark his 90th birthday he suggested that he had no regrets about the way he ran the country.
Mr Botha will be given a state funeral - the first for more than 20 years.Mr Botha will be given a state funeral - the first for more than 20 years.