Former president’s great-granddaughter dies on World Cup eve.

FORMER president Nelson Mandela pulled out of the opening ceremony of the World Cup in South Africa yesterday following the death of his great-granddaughter in a car crash.

Zenani Mandela, 13, was killed on the way home from Thursday night’s Soweto concert heralding the launch of the tournament, which is being held in Africa for the first time.

Mr Mandela, 91, was expected to take some part in yesterday’s opening day festivities, although his family had been worried about his health.

A spokesman for the South African organising committee said it would have been inappropriate for Mr Mandela to attend the opening celebrations following the death of Zenani.

He said: “We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Zenani, who celebrated her 13th birthday last Wednesday, was one of the antiapartheid icon’s nine greatgrandchildren.

She died in a one-car accident and no one else was injured.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement: “The family has asked for privacy as they mourn this tragedy.”

South African police later confirmed they had arrested the driver of the vehicle in which Zenani was killed on suspicion of being drunk and on suspicion of culpable homicide.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu told ITV New that the death of Mr Mandela’s great-granddaughter had marred yesterday’s opening ceremony.

He said: “It’s put a dampener on things. Our hearts go out to the family.

“It’s a family that has suffered a great deal.”

Fifa president Sepp Blatter sent a letter of condolence to Mr Mandela.

It read: “I know that words are of little comfort at this time, my dear and most precious friend, but please know that my most sincere thoughts are with you, your family and all of those close to you.

“The entire football family mourns with you and your family, and today we stand by your side.”