The head of the South African Truth Commission, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has made an emotional appeal to the former South African President, PW Botha, to apologise for the suffering caused by the apartheid government.

He was testifying at the trial of Mr Botha, who's been charged with contempt for refusing to appear before the Truth Commission.

Archbishop Tutu told the court that murders of black activists and other human rights abuses were part of state policy and couldn't be blamed simply on rogue elements -- as Mr Botha's defence lawyer had argued.

The court has now adjourned until later this month.