Hello 

Create Profile

Creating your profile will enable you to submit photos and stories to get published on News24.


Please provide a username for your profile page:

This username must be unique, cannot be edited and will be used in the URL to your profile page across the entire 24.com network.

Settings

Location Settings

News24 allows you to edit the display of certain components based on a location. If you wish to personalise the page based on your preferences, please select a location for each component and click "Submit" in order for the changes to take affect.









Facebook Sign-In

Hi News addict,

Join the News24 Community to be involved in breaking the news.

Log in with Facebook to comment and personalise news, weather and listings.

 
 

Police hunting PM's killer

2003-03-17 15:38
line

Belgrade - Police continued their search for more suspects linked to the assassination of former prime minister Zoran Djindjic on Monday as his trusted allies prepared to take over the helm of the republic's government.

Security forces have already arrested a total of 318 people throughout Serbia five days after Djindjic was killed by a single sniper bullet in a parking lot of the Serbian government building.

But the main suspects have remained at large.

The authorities have blamed the Zemun gang led by Milorad Lukovic, who was commander of the Serbian special police force during the rule of former strongman Slobodan Milosevic of being behind the murder.

Justice Minister Vladan Batic has ordered a maximum security alert in all its prisons, insisting the measures would remain in effect during the state of emergency proclaimed throughout the country immediately after the murder.

The aim was to "prevent any communication between persons in custody and members of their families, friends or colleagues, whether by letter, postcard or mobile phone," Batic said in a statement on television.

State of emergency

Prisoners' visiting rights had also been suspended, said Batic, adding that checks and security guard numbers at prison buildings had also been reinforced.

Batic warned prison governors and staff they would face the stiffest penalties possible if they failed to carry out his orders.

Meanwhile police said that out of 318 people arrested, 307 had been placed in custody for a period of 30 days.

Serbia is still under a state of emergency imposed after the murder, allowing police to carry out arrests without warrants and keep suspects in detention for up to 30 days without charge.

Four of those arrested have demanded the status of "protected witness," the government said in a statement.

"Testimonies given so far confirmed that Zemun narco-cartel, assisted by members of security forces during Milosevic's rule, took part in political murders, traffic of drugs... and through the European network of dealers, connected with the Columbian narco-cartel," the statement said.

The government also blamed the group of being behind "numerous kidnappings and more than 50 murders".

"Assisted by their informers and hirelings from the police and state security they have managed to avoid arrest," it added.

Meanwhile, one of Djindjic's trusted allies Zoran Zivkovic was nominated by his party on Sunday to head the republic's government.

Healthy Serbia

Zivkovic, the number two in Djindjic's Democratic Party (DS), which leads Serbia's ruling DOS coalition, vowed that Belgrade would pursue Djindjic's legacy of reform.

"Political stability is a necessity," he said four days after Djindjic's killing sparked fears of instability not only in Serbia, but also across the tense Balkans region.

Zivkovic told party officials that Djindjic had "wanted a healthy Serbia, and we have to assume responsibility" for such pledges.

"We have to use this moment, not for us or our party, but for Serbia, whom we see as the leader in the Balkans, a (future) member of the European Union, a state with strong democratic institutions," the 42-year-old said.

He also pledged that Serbia would continue its cooperation with the UN war crimes tribunal in the Netherlands.

"We will respect our international obligations, we have the law on co-operation with the tribunal" already in force, Zivkovic said.

His nomination for prime minister still needs to be approved by the 250-seat Serbian parliament, which is dominated by the DOS. The assembly session is expected to be held in the coming week. - Sapa-AFP

- SAPA

inside news24

 
1 of 10

140
1

Latest comment in World

Anthony says... For more than 30 years the oppostion wanted to talk , but these assad THUGS, were not interested. Now the time for talking is over !!! And it is not for us on this site, to decide if we are prepared to live with the concequences. That is up to the Syrian people. and the answer is a resounding: YES The Syrians are not stupid !! At the moment its only one thing that unites the opposition; To get rid of the assad TYRANNY!!!!! They know it going to be a long tough road ahead, but they are willing to so. Read the article...

 
Traffic
Lottery
 
  • Friday Carletonville - 10:01 AM
    Road name: N14
    ROAD CLOSED due to a large sink-hole between the two Carletonville exits - traffic is diverted onto a local bypass route
  • Sunday Volksrust - 07:33 AM
    Road name: N11 Both Ways
    Stop / go controls for construction works at Majuba Pass - expect delays between Volksrust and Newcastle
  • Monday Centurion - 15:41 PM
    Road name: Jean Avenue
    ROAD CLOSED between Rabie Street and Gerhard Street for sink hole repair works
 
More traffic reports...
 

Jobs [change area]

Cars[change area]

CHEVROLET

Captiva 3.2 LTZ AWD 5-dr AT
2010
R 359,000.00

CHEVROLET

Lumina 6.0 SS MY06 AT
2012
R 439,000.00

TOYOTA

Hilux 2.7 Raider LWB VVT-i RB PU MY05
2006
R 195,995.00

Property [change area]

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Magical Massinga

Spend 5 nights at Mozambique's magical Massinga Beach Lodge. From 10 299 per person sharing. Includes return flights, taxes, transfers and accommodation. Book Now!

Kalahari.com - shop online today

Electronics on Sale

Up to 80% off electronics + 24hr delivery. Shop now.

50% Off Educo toys

Join the Big Mama Sale madness at kalahari.com and get 50% off all Educo toys for your kids. Terms and conditions apply. Shop now.

Books on Sale

Up to 80% off books & 1000s Of books to choose from. First come, first served. While stocks last. Shop now.

Blu-ray special offer

Buy 10 blu-rays and get a free Sony blu-ray player. Offer valid while stocks last. Shop now.

Blooming love

We have a range of roses available for that someone special on Valentine's day. Order before 10 February to ensure delivery on 14 February 2012. Buy now.

OLX Free Classifieds [change area]

Drain & Pipe Inspection System

For Sale, Garage Sale in South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg. Date January 21

2011 Mazda 2 1.5 Dynamic

Vehicles, Cars in South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg. Date January 22

Estimator

Jobs, Engineering Jobs - Architecture Jobs in South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg. Date January 21

The Big Mama Sale

The Big Mama Sale is now on. Get up to 80% off Books, Music, DVDs, Games, Electronics, Toys & Gifts. Shop now.

Visit www.kalahari.com for millions of books, music, DVDs, games & more!

Nokia Lumia 800

The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 features head-turning design, ...

From R5799.00

I'm shopping for:

A local community where you can meet people, upload photos, videos and loads more...
  • featuredprofile

    1sammy1
    Age: 23
    Sex: Female
    Location: Kwazulu-Natal - Pietermaritzburg
  • featuredevent

    Watershed
    when: 25 Feb 2012 - 25 Feb 2012
  • featuredgallery

    Catwalk
    when: 27 Jan 2012
    Number of photos: 75
  • featuredvideo

    Coldplay - Charlie Brown
    Watched: 354
There are new stories on the homepage. Click here to see them.