South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is setting up a judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether there were attempts to prevent the investigation or prosecution of crimes that took place during apartheid.

According to information provided by Reuters magazine, the measure is the result of discussions about a settlement in a lawsuit brought by families of victims of political assassinations and disappearances that took place decades ago, who say that post-apartheid governments never properly investigated these crimes.

"Allegations of undue influence in delaying or obstructing the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes persist in previous governments," the presidency said in a statement, quoted by Reuters.

"Through this commission, President Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be ascertained and the matter brought to a conclusion," the statement read.

After the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to help uncover human rights violations perpetrated by the white minority government. However, according to Reuters, many of the cases have not been resolved.

The 25 relatives and survivors who filed the case in a Pretoria court in January are also seeking around 167 million rands from the state for all damages.

The government will ask for the request to be suspended until the committee has reached its conclusions, the presidency said. No deadline has been set.

The Foundation for Human Rights, an NGO that supports the families, said it welcomed the creation of a commission of inquiry, but opposed the president's decision to postpone the decision on the compensation claim.