Driver faces murder, alcohol charges in car-crash death of Mandela’s great-granddaughter

Murder charge for driver in Mandela relative crash

JOHANNESBURG — South African prosecutors say the driver of a car in which Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter died will face charges of murder, attempted murder and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Sizwe Mankazana, 23, is scheduled for an Aug. 27 trial in the death of Zenani Mandela. The 13-year-old was killed June 11 on the drive home from the FIFA World Cup opening concert. Mankazana could face a long jail term if convicted of the charges, which were announced Tuesday. He did not speak during his court appearance Monday.

Mankazana, a student in the U.S., traveled home to South Africa for the soccer tournament. His father is in a relationship with one of Nelson Mandela’s daughters and has close ties with the Mandela family.

He is not being held in custody.