The picture was posted on the Twitter profile of a user called @nQOW_bee, accompanied by the tweet “he is resting” on 11 December.
The image allegedly showed the former statesman’s face with his eyes closed; however, it could not be immediately determined whether it was taken at the Union Buildings.
The picture appeared to be a computer screen grab as the mouse cursor was visible above Mandela’s face.
Several twitter users had since retweeted the picture; however, the link to the picture appears to have since been blocked.
Many others attacked the user for the posting the picture.
@Pablo__deChant tweeted: “You’re a disgrace!”
@Being_Topz tweeted: “U have no respect at all how could u post such a thing? U should be ashamed of urself [sic].”
“This is soo [sic] inappropriate!” @The_NewHer tweeted in response to the picture.
Prior to the public viewing, the government had issued strict protocol, prohibiting cameras and requesting that the public keep all cellphones switched off and out of sight.
“Government finds it extremely distasteful that a member of the public would engage in such behaviour and manipulate a photograph of President Mandela at this time,” the Government Communication and Information System said a statement.
Mandela’s body has been lying in state at the Union Buildings since 11 December, where the public could pay their final respects to the former leader.
According to the statement, members of the public who have made their way to the Union Buildings have acted respectfully thus far.
It urged the public to continue to behave respectfully as Mandela’s body lies in state for the final day of public viewing on 13 December.
Mandela will be buried in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday.
