Driver was drunk in crash that killed Mandela great granddaughter

The great granddaughter of Nelson Mandela has been killed in a car accident after a attending a World Cup concert Thursday night. The driver of the car, which overturned, was drunk, police said Friday. Mandela called off plans to attend the World Cup opening match as his family went into mourning.

Reuters

Thirteen-year-old Zenani Mandela was killed less than 12 hours before gates were to open for the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

The former president's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who was not in the car crash, was taken to hospital because of her shock at the news.

The car’s driver, also a Mandela family member who has not been identified, has been arrested as police investigate charges of culpable homicide.

"We are all still dealing with the shock of the passing of the child," said Sello Hating, spokesman for the Mandela Foundation. "We need to afford Madiba and his family the time to mourn," he said.