Thirteen-year-old Zenani Mandela was killed in the crash which occurred in the early hours of this morning and her tragic death means her great-grandfather has cancelled his plans to attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup, which kicks off in Johannesburg today.

The South African Police Service's head of communications Brigadier Govindsamy Mariemuthoo told Press Association Sport: "I can confirm that the driver of the vehicle in which Zenani Mandela was killed has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk and on suspicion of culpable homicide,"

Mr Mariemuthoo would not confirm whether the driver was a member of the Mandela family, but said that the accident had taken place at 00:35 this morning. It has been reported that the car was travelling back from the music concert to mark the start of the World Cup held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto last night.

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The tragic accident means that the 91-year-old former South African president will miss the opening ceremony of the World Cup at Soccer City today and the opening game between the hosts and Mexico,

It had been hoped he would be able to attend, despite his frail condition, as he has been adopted as a symbol of democratic South Africa and because of the key role he played in securing the hosting rights for the tournament.

A statement from the Nelson Mandela Foundation read: "Mr Nelson Mandela this morning learned of the tragic death in an accident of his great-granddaughter, Zenani Mandela (13 years old).

"It would therefore be inappropriate for him to personally attend the FIFA World Cup opening celebrations. 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.

"We continue to believe that the World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for SA and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success. Madiba will be there with you in spirit today."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has written a letter of condolence to Mr Mandela. In it he writes: "I heard the unspeakably tragic news that your great-granddaughter had lost her life in a car accident. I am stunned as I sit here, I cannot understand it and I simply cannot find the words to express my sadness. The entire football family mourns with you and your family, and today we stand by their side.

"It goes without saying that we fully understand that you cannot be with us at the opening ceremony and match later today. He will, however, be with us in spirit, for which we are incredibly grateful."

The tournament's organising committee insisted due tribute would be paid to Mandela at the opening ceremony, which would in any case have focused on his achievements in bringing democracy to the country and leading it out of the apartheid era.