Woman killed during robbery

A BATHURST woman was killed and her partner wounded during an apparently botched house robbery in the small town at the weekend.

The attack took place at the couple’s Kowie Road home shortly before 5am on Sunday.

Stefne Evans, 60, was hit over the head with a rock and killed.

Her injured 65-year-old partner was rushed to hospital.

Police have declined to release Evans’s partner’s name, saying he was a witness to the attack.

Police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said two assailants overpowered Evans’s partner when he opened the kitchen door after he heard movement outside.

“He fought back and attempted to close the kitchen door. During the scuffle, he was struck on the back with a rock,” Govender said.

Evans had gone to see what was happening when she, too, was attacked and killed outright.

Govender said two cellphones were believed to have been taken.

By late Sunday, Govender confirmed that Evans’s partner had been discharged from hospital.

Port Alfred cluster commander Brigadier Morgan Govender sent his condolences to the family.

“This cruel deed by these ruthless attackers is strongly condemned,” he said. “I urge the community to work with the police in bringing these perpetrators to book.”