The residents of Njakanjaka village in the Bungeni area have had to deal with the fact that a 20-year-old woman was stabbed and killed on election day while returning after having voted.

Ms Mikateko Mathonsi was coming from a voting station at Marholeni Secondary School last Wednesday, where she had just voted, when she was stopped by a man who allegedly stabbed her. According to eyewitnesses, the two were seen quarreling on the street before the suspect stabbed Mathonsi in the chest.

Mathonsi then ran towards her home, which is not far from the scene of the incident. She collapsed at the door of the house and was rushed to the Bungeni Health Centre. She died while the paramedics were still busy trying to assist her.

Mathonsi was a Grade 12 pupil at Marholeni High and was an active member of the African National Congress Youth League.

The spokesperson for the Waterval police, WO Risimati Masonto, confirmed the incident. He said it happened at 18:00. "A 31-year-old suspect, who had just visited his relatives in the village, handed himself to the police and is in custody," he said. According to Masonto, a case of murder has been opened against the suspect. "We are still conducting more investigations to find out what really happened," Masonto said.

Family members say that they are saddened by Mathonsi´s death: "She was still young and had a bright future ahead of her. She was not supposed to die like this." Mathonsi´s class teacher, Mr Simon Nkuna, said she was a bright pupil who always worked hard at school. "This came as a shock to us. Mathonsi never quarreled with anyone and she easily associated herself with people. She died on her way home when she was coming from a voting station, where she had just voted for change," he said.

Godfrey Munzhedzi (31) appeared briefly in the Waterval Regional Court on Tuesday and the case was postponed for further investigations. Mathonsi will be laid to rest at Njakanjaka cemetery tomorrow (Saturday).