Nelson Mandela won't attend today's opening ceremony of the World Cup. His 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash on the way home from the kick-off concert in Soweto, his office said Friday.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Zenani Mandela died in a one-car accident and no one else was injured, reports AP. Tummi Shai, a police spokeswoman said a case of probable homicide — not unusual in traffic accidents where negligence is suspected — had been opened. According to the New York Times, the man behind the wheel has been accused of drunk driving.
Last night's World Cup concert featuring Alicia Keys, Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas had drawn tens of thousands of people to Soweto, and traffic was congested into the early hours Friday. Zenani, who celebrated her 13th birthday June 9, was one of Mandela's nine great-grandchildren. "The family has asked for privacy as they mourn this tragedy," the foundation said in a statement.
Nelson Mandela was scheduled to, but will not be attending the World Cup due to this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mandela Family. (USA TODAY)
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