Peja: 11 police officers suspended after Arlinda Zekaj’s killing in Vitomiricë

Kosovo Police has suspended 11 police officers over the way the case of Arlinda Zekaj, who was killed in Vitomiricë, Peja, was handled.

The decision was taken following a recommendation from the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK). Meanwhile, the IPK is conducting a preliminary investigation to verify the officers’ actions and omissions in handling the case, Bota sot reports.

Those suspended include the acting regional police director in Peja, the head of Regional Investigations, the commander and deputy commander of Peja Police Station, and other senior officials in the relevant units.

The commander of the Vitomiricë Police Substation was also suspended, along with four police investigators from Peja Police Station.

According to a statement from Kosovo Police, the decision was made in accordance with the Kosovo Police Law, the Administrative Instruction on Violations, Measures and Disciplinary Procedures in Kosovo Police, and the IPK’s recommendation.

Prishtina, October 29, 2026 — In connection with the handling of the case involving the victim A. Z., which took place in Vitomiricë, Peja, Kosovo Police has suspended 11 police officers.

The Kosovo Police Inspectorate is conducting a preliminary investigation into the officers, concerning possible actions or omissions in the case. Based on the IPK’s recommendation, Kosovo Police management has suspended the acting regional director at the Regional Police Directorate in Peja, the head of Regional Investigations at the Regional Police Directorate in Peja, the commander and deputy commander of Peja Police Station, the head of the Investigations Sector and the acting head of the Operations Sector at the station, the commander of the Vitomiricë Substation, and four police investigators from Peja Police Station.

Kosovo Police said the suspensions are intended to allow the investigations to proceed independently, strengthen institutional accountability and determine individual responsibility for the handling of the case.

The institution said it would continue working to uphold its values and integrity, provide fair and impartial service, and cooperate with all relevant institutions.