The 13-year-old girl was killed on a Johannesburg highway while returning home from the World Cup kickoff concert in Soweto the previous day.

According to the police, Zenani Mandela passed away after a one-car accident. The diver is accused of drunk driving and might be charged with manslaughter.

"He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade," police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the South African figure is mourning the death of his great-granddaughter and thus would miss the opening ceremonies.

"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," the statement read.

"We continue to believe the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success.

"Madiba will be there with you in spirit today."