Desperate Manhunt for Double Cop Killer Dezi Freeman INTENSIFIES as Ex-Cop and Crime Reporter Clash Over Tactics
- Former AFP detective superintendent David Craig says authorities are keeping operational details under wraps in the hunt for Freeman, who allegedly fatally shot two police officers
- Veteran crime reporter John Silvester urges police to issue a $250,000 reward for Freeman’s capture, but Craig argues it may not work due to the sovereign citizen movement’s ideology
- The Australian Defence Force has joined the manhunt, bringing “on another level” technology to track down the 56-year-old self-declared sovereign citizen and experienced bushman
Dezi Freeman, the 56-year-old self-declared sovereign citizen and experienced bushman, has been on the run for nine days, evading capture in rugged bushland near Mount Buffalo National Park. The massive manhunt, which has now enlisted the help of the Australian Defence Force, has sparked a heated debate between a former AFP detective superintendent and a veteran crime reporter over the best tactics to catch the alleged police killer.
Freeman allegedly fatally shot Detective Leading Constable Neal Thompson and Constable Vadim De Waart on August 26, 2025, during the execution of a warrant for alleged historic child sex offences in Porepunkah. Police believe Freeman may be receiving outside help as he continues to evade capture, with more than 100 properties searched in what has been a “complex” and “difficult” operation.
David Craig, a former AFP detective superintendent, explained why authorities are keeping operational details under wraps, saying it was clear investigators are becoming “frustrated” with the massive operation. “This isn’t a particularly unusual thing for the military to be involved in a major operation. We’re not talking about the military parachuting in and running around in Bushmasters. We’re talking about a level of technology and expertise that a civilian power normally doesn’t have,” he told Seven’s Sunrise.
John Silvester, a veteran crime reporter, has called for police to issue a $250,000 reward for Freeman’s capture. Speaking on 3AW’s Ross and Russ, he said the ballooning cost of the operation, estimated at up to $200,000 a day, could be offset by a bounty. “It’s pretty simple. We go old school today and that is you put in a bounty, $250,000 for Dezi Freeman,” he said. “And that would mean anyone who was harbouring (him) could think, ‘hmm, I can do pretty well here with one phone call’.”
However, Craig argued a reward may not work, pointing to Freeman’s links with the sovereign citizen movement. “That is a very hard ideological group,” he said, adding they were unlikely to “roll over” for cash. He cited the case of New Zealander Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children in 2021. Despite an $80,000 reward offered in 2024, Phillips and the children remain missing.
Police are urging Freeman to surrender before the funerals of the two slain officers, set for September 5 and 8. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said, “He does not deserve to be protected. This person needs to be in custody, held accountable and kept away from the community. Our resolve and determination grows by the day to bring this to a safe conclusion. The community and Victoria Police would love to see this resolved before those funerals.”
Freeman’s wife, Amalia, has been interviewed by investigators and may face charges of obstructing police over the day of the shooting. She has not yet provided a formal statement through her lawyer.