Dezi Freeman
Share and Follow

The number of police on the ground in Porepunkah looking for alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman has been scaled back significantly since the shooting over a month ago.

There has been no official sighting of Freeman after he allegedly killed officers Neal Thompson, 59, and Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 34, at a semi-rural property in Victoria’s High Country on August 26.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush today said the number of officers still in Porepunkah remained at over 200, marking less than half the amount of authorities that were combing the area for Freeman weeks ago.

Dezi Freeman
Dezi Freeman has not been seen since August 26. (9News)

Bush provided an update on the man hunt during a memorial for fallen officers in Melbourne today, where he said police officers around the country are still “hurting”.

“At the height we had nearly 500 officers up there conducting the search, investigating and providing reassurance to the community,” Bush said.

“At the moment, we have in excess of 200 officers there.

“We will continue to rotate police officers through there, a) conducting searches, b) continuing the investigation and c) providing reassurance to the community who needs it.”

Police during manhunt for accused gunman Dezi Freeman
Police searching a small cave during manhunt for accused gunman Freeman. (9News)

Bush said police have so far searched 40-square-kilometre area by foot and air to find Freeman.

The month-long search has involved mineshafts, caves, huts and properties in Porepunkah and surrounding regions.

“It’s extremely challenging. We have to often revisit things we’ve already searched to make sure we haven’t missed anything,” Bush added.

“And we will not give up until we find that person.”

Porepunkah where Dezi Freeman lives cover in morning fog. 9 September 2025. Photo: Eddie Jim.
Porepunkah seen covered in morning fog on September 9. (Eddie Jim)
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush. (9News)

He said other state police forces, as well as New Zealand, have offered support in the continued search for Freeman.

Bush said crews on the ground will continue to utilise their resources.

After offering a reward of $1 million for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible, there has been an uptick in tips from the public.

About 1400 pieces of information have been given by members of the public.

“None of them have lead to any positive leads, but we explore them,” Bush said.

Police are still pursuing a number of theories regarding Freeman’s whereabouts.

Bush told reporters police still can’t rule out anything.

“We will pursue all of those likelihoods,” he said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Barnaby Joyce Denies Allegations of Abuse as Parliamentary Investigation Looms

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has denied accusations he abused a female staff…
Former airline pilot Greg Lynn has been ordered to stand trial for the murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay at a remote campsite in Victoria's alpine region.

High-Profile Appeal: Convicted Camper Killer Greg Lynn Challenges Guilty Verdict in Court

More than a year after a former pilot was convicted of murdering…

Australian Man Fears for Family’s Safety Amid Escalating Sudan Conflict

Emad Mohamed, a Sudanese man living in Canberra, has said he feels…

Victoria Sets Precedent: Historic Treaty Legislation Passes Parliament

Victoria has made history as the first state or territory in Australia…

Senate Faces Turmoil Amid Allegations of Coalition Suppressing Women’s Voices

“I want to ask a question to inform the women in my…

Prince Andrew Loses Royal Title and Moves Out of Windsor Mansion

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Andrew will be stripped of his…
U.S. President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a bilateral meeting at Gimhae Air Base on October 30, 2025 in Busan, South Korea.

Trump Reduces Tariffs Following Productive Talks with China

US President Donald Trump has described his face-to-face with Chinese leader Xi…
Trump slashes refugee intake to 7500. It'll be mostly white South Africans

Trump Administration Cuts Refugee Quota to 7,500, Prioritizing White South Africans

The Trump administration is restricting the number of refugees it admits annually…