The MEP also described South Africa as "safe economic powerhouse" before Mandela became president in 1994.
Griffin's statements on social-networking site Twitter also made reference to recent attack on mosques and other Muslim buildings, saying: "Remember that at least some Islamic building blazes will be insurance jobs."
The comments come as Mandela, 94, continues to receive treatment in a South African hospital for a lung infection.
The full tweets read: "Saint #nelsonmandela on last legs it seems. Make sure to avoid BBC when the murdering old terrorist croaks. It'll be nauseating.
"Statesmen' must be judged on results not rhetoric. Before Mandela, South Africa was safe economic powerhouse. Now crime ridden basket case.
"No surprise #Mandela's lungs are shot - all those burning tyres. Smoking necklaces very bad for the health.
"& while making politically incorrect observations on fires: Remember that at least some Islamic building blazes will be insurance jobs."
Many people took to Twitter to criticise Griffin's comments.
Peter Hain, the South Africa-raised former Labour minister and hardline anti-Apartheid campaigner, tweeted that it was a "nasty vicious attack".
Ruth Rosenau, a Labour councillor in Stoke-on-Trent, tweeted: "#Mandela - a towering figure in world history & an inspiration to millions. Nick Griffin - what will you be remembered for?"
Bob Woods, who tweeted from BrummyTaff, said: "#NickGriffin Insults #Mandela & shows what a small minded odious irrelevant little man he is. Not fit to tie his laces."
Peter Omagbemi
Posted with Blogsy
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