The residence of Brajkovac Zoran R. (name changed for the protection of the interviewee) is one of the few places on this side of the border, hosting a chilling encounter with Alija Balijagić, a notorious double murderer from Montenegro.

Sitting on the stump in front of his house, he reflects on that encounter. “Only a madman wouldn’t fear for his life,” Zoran shares, being one of the few who remained at his home while hiding a pitcher in his village.

– “I started walking on Friday. About 100 meters away from my house, near my barn, he suddenly appeared. He had a rifle slung over his shoulder, was well-dressed in a warm jacket, thick pants, and new boots. A full backpack was strapped to his back. His head was shaved, with about an inch of beard, and he didn’t wear a hat. I had heard him before, as he was hiding about 50 meters away. I shouted, ‘Who’s there?!’ Then he stepped out and claimed he wasn’t afraid, mentioning he was a hunter, according to locals reported on telegraph.rs.”

He recognized Balijagić and speculated whether he was attempting to draw his rifle. However, he noticed ammunition at the ready and was uncertain if the killer had a knife.

– “He offered me some brandy, which I drank. It was a beautiful cider brandy. When he mentioned he was a hunter, I pointed out that hunting was prohibited that day and asked where his dog was. He replied that the dog had gone to find game in the woods. He asked if the police were looking for that man, and when I said they weren’t yet, he reassured me, ‘Don’t worry, they will find him,'” Zoran added.

They then parted ways.

Zoran headed home, while Balijagić, as he claims, moved towards Ivezici.

“I heard he was in Ivezici before arriving here, so I turned to see which way he went. He left, turned, and glanced back at me. I didn’t want to gamble with my life by trying to follow him,” he recounted.

Shortly after, Zoran’s brother reported the incident to the police, and a significant number of officers arrived in Brajkovac soon after.

– “There are several scattered houses here, all within a 500-meter radius. The gendarmerie searched the area, up in the woods above the house, near the neighbor who lives alone, alongside members of the Saj. Drones were also deployed, but they couldn’t find him,” Zoran mentioned.

As he expressed, “Only a madman wouldn’t be scared,” the locals are anxious, well aware that Balijagić might return at night. He is certain that he prowls the homes at night, especially since the nights are cold and many houses in the area are uninhabited. Zoran hasn’t slept in his home for four nights, and many have gone to stay with relatives. He also heard that the city of Prijepolje was advising residents of isolated mountain villages to come into the city for safety, offering accommodation.

Reporters from “Telegraf.rs” are positioned in villages near Prijepolje, following leads on the double killer.

(Telegraf.rs)