UNMIK/PR/641
PRESS RELEASE - 11 Sept, 2001
 
SRSG Condemns Attack on KPS Officers

SRSG Hans Haekkerup today expressed his outrage over the murder of a member of the Kosovo Police Service and the severe injuring of a second KPS officer, attacked as they were attempting to stop a cattle theft in Petrovce village near Gnjilane, early this morning.

"Officer Lazim Rexhepi died in the line of duty," Mr. Haekkerup said. " He was trying to prevent a crime, and in doing so lost his life to a gang of ruthless murderers. This is the first murder of a member of Kosovo's police forces since the creation of the Kosovo Police Service and UNMIK Police. I condemn this terrible crime, and have instructed police to pursue all avenues to find the assailants."

Officers Rexhepi and Avdullah Musliu were awoken early this morning by noises outside their homes. They emerged to find a group of men in the process of stealing cows. The police officers confronted the suspects who attempted to leave the scene. Gunfire was exchanged and the two officers were hit, as well as a suspect who died at the scene.

Neighbors took the two police officers to a hospital where Officer Rexhepi died. Officer Musliu is being treated for his injuries.

Both the officers and the dead suspect are ethnic Albanians.

Mr. Haekkerup expressed his deep condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Rexhepi and  his sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of Officer Musliu: "The Kosovo Police Service is one of the institutions we are most proud of in Kosovo. This attack is a shame and a tragedy  for an organization which has grown so fast  into a police service of high caliber and dedication. Officer Rexhepi will be greatly missed," Mr. Haekkerup said.