“I was extremely fortunate; if he had wanted to, he could have killed me,” recounts Zoran R. (name altered for confidentiality), a resident from Brajkovac. He shares his experience of encountering Alija Balijagić, a man wanted for a double murder in Montenegro.

Zoran is among the few individuals on this side of the border who has had a close encounter with Balijagić.

Photo: Facebook / Bijelo Polje online

– I began my walk on Friday. About 100 meters from my house, near my barn, he suddenly appeared. He was well-dressed, wearing a coat, thick pants, and new boots, with a rifle slung over his shoulder. He had a heavy backpack on his back. He looked around an inch from his chin and wasn’t wearing a hat. Before that, I had heard him—he was hiding about 50 meters away. I shouted, “Who is it?!” and then he stepped out, stating he wasn’t afraid and that the locals had informed him, according to telegraph.rs.

As he recalls, Zoran recognized Balijagić and contemplated whether to grab his rifle, but he noticed it was strapped at Balijagić’s belt, leaving him uncertain if the murderer had a knife as well.

– He offered me some brandy, and I had a glass; it was good cider. When he mentioned he was a hunter, I reminded him that hunting was prohibited that day and asked where his dog was. He claimed the dog had gone hunting in the woods. He then queried if the police were searching for that man, and when I said they weren’t yet, he assured me, “They’ll find him, don’t worry,” – he adds.

After their conversation, they parted ways—Zoran headed back home while Balijagić, according to Zoran, moved towards Ivezici.

– I heard he had been in Ivezici before coming here, so I turned to see which direction he went, but he had already left. He turned back and glanced at me. I didn’t want to play with my life by trying to follow him, Zoran shares.

Immediately afterward, Zoran’s brother notified the police about the encounter. It wasn’t long before a significant police presence arrived in Brajkovac.

– This area has several widely spaced houses; we are all around 500 meters apart. Gendarmerie forces swept through the terrain, scouring the woods above our home and near a neighbor’s dwelling. They even deployed drones but couldn’t locate him, Zoran continued.

He expresses concern, stating “Only a madman wouldn’t be scared,” as locals live in fear, aware that Balijagić could come back at night. They worry he might enter their homes during the cold nights, especially with many empty houses nearby. He hasn’t slept at home for the last four nights, while others have sought refuge with relatives. Reports also circulated that residents in isolated mountain villages near Prijepolje were urged to head to the city for safety and accommodation.

(Telegraf.rs)