Victoria police manhunt enters day four

Thursday 28 August 2025 - 15:15

By: Sahili Aya

The manhunt for Dezi Freeman, the suspect accused of fatally shooting two police officers in Porepunkah, Victoria, has entered its fourth day as authorities continue to search the rugged alpine region.

Tributes have poured in at Wangaratta police station for detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson, 59, and senior constable Vadim De Waart, 35, who were killed earlier this week. A third officer who was injured remains in hospital recovering from surgery.

Victoria police deputy commissioner Russell Barrett described the tragedy as “one of the most difficult cases” in the history of the force. He emphasized that every available resource is being deployed in the search, though the mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions have made the operation dangerous and slow.

Freeman, described by locals as a skilled bushman and self-identified “sovereign citizen,” has not been seen since fleeing into the forests surrounding Mount Buffalo. Police have conducted raids on several properties and warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel, while schools and businesses cautiously resumed activity.

At a press conference, police urged Freeman to surrender peacefully. “If Dezi Freeman is watching this, call triple zero, and we will support a surrender plan,” said superintendent Brett Kahan.

The search is expected to continue despite difficult conditions, with snow and heavy rain forecast in the coming days.