National

Olive branch extended to fugitive's suspected helpers

By AAP Newswire

Sep 11, 2025

As the search for Dezi Freeman continues, police have made an offer to anyone helping him. -AAP Image

Police are pumping major resources into the search for Australia's most wanted man while extending an olive branch to those who might be helping him evade capture.

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As the manhunt for Desmond "Dezi" Freeman enters its 17th day, authorities are hoping a $1 million reward and the offer of protection against prosecution for anyone who may have helped the fugitive could lead them to a breakthrough arrest.

Freeman is accused of shooting dead policemen Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart at a property at Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne, on August 26 before escaping into bushland.

About 450 officers are searching in harsh and challenging bushland, caves, mineshafts, huts and properties in and around the area.

Twelve days into the manhunt, Victoria Police offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman's capture, the largest financial offer in the state's history for aiding an arrest.

More than 1000 tips have been submitted since the officers were killed, including nearly 200 pieces of information since the reward was offered.

But Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly conceded the 56-year-old may be receiving help from local supporters, pointing also to historical instances of fugitives seeking support and assistance from community members.

There have been no confirmed sightings of the fugitive since the alleged shootings, with the detective superintendent reiterating the reward and calling for information.

"There is also the opportunity, potentially for an indemnity being offered," he said.

"Our focus is on capturing Desmond Freeman, not in relation to necessarily people who may have assisted him."

Freeman's wife Mali and a 15-year-old boy were previously arrested, with top cop Mike Bush alluding charges may be laid against them.

On Wednesday, Det Supt Kelly refused to be drawn on whether Freeman's family members could face charges.

Overseas, national and state reinforcements have been called in to help with the search, with Superintendent Craig Darlow highlighting the capabilities the force can draw on.

The family of Mr de Waart-Hottart were taken to the area where he had worked prior to his death, with officers describing the visit as very emotional, but a boost for the investigators.