Gjilan has been deeply shaken by a serious incident that occurred today at noon, where three people lost their lives and another was injured in a gun attack. The incident occurred at around 12:32 on “Ibrahim Rrugova” street, in one of the main neighborhoods of the city.
According to official information from the police, the perpetrator of the attack is Mefail Shkodra, 52 years old, who shot and killed two people, Selami and Edmond Hasani, father and son, who were known as well-known jewelers in Gjilan. One of the injured, Abedin Hoxha, who is the son-in-law of one of the victims, later died in hospital. Mefail Shkodra remains at large and the police have launched a large-scale search operation for his arrest. Authorities have appealed for help from citizens to ensure his capture as soon as possible.
In addition to the main perpetrator, his two sons, Edonis Shkodra, 22 years old, and Engjull Shkodra, 20 years old, who are suspected of being involved in the incident, have also been declared wanted.
Mefail Shkodra is not an unknown name to the justice system. In June of last year, he and his son were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the activity of usury, where they were suspected of giving money with interest and then threatening and blackmailing their victims. After four months of detention, Mefail Shkodra was released in October 2024, but it seems that the conflict still remains unresolved.
A photograph of him together with the highest state leaders, including the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and President Vjosa Osmani, is also circulating on social networks and in the media, which has sparked various reactions in the public.
Authorities suspect that the motive for this macabre crime is related to a long-standing conflict over usury, which seems to have escalated into this grave tragedy that has shocked not only the city of Gjilan, but the entire country.
The police have announced that investigations are continuing intensively and have appealed for maximum cooperation from citizens, emphasizing the importance of catching the perpetrators to prevent any further incidents.
