Dezi Freeman's Spouse Pleads for Him to Turn Himself In as Search Extends into Day Six

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Dezi Freeman, the fugitive alleged to have killed two police officers, has been urged by his wife to turn himself in, as she pledges full cooperation with the authorities.

Freeman is suspected of the deaths of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson, 59, and senior constable Vadim De Waart, 35.

On Sunday, Freeman’s wife, Amalia, expressed her “deep sorrow” over the officers’ deaths.

In a statement provided to the ABC, she said, “We support Victoria Police’s calls for a swift and safe resolution to this heartbreaking situation.”

“I am committed to assisting Victoria Police in their search and will help in any manner possible to find my husband.

“Dezi, please, if you’re receiving this message, contact 000 to organize your surrender.”

Challenging weather conditions, including snowstorms and heavy rain, have complicated the search efforts in the rural town.

Over 450 police officers have been dispatched to Porepunkah as they search through old mines, caves, and dugouts in the rural area.

Authorities report receiving multiple alleged sightings of Freeman since his disappearance, though none have been verified.

“There have been alleged sightings which we’re exploring,” Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush said.

“We can’t confirm that they are of him, but if you think you see him, let us know. We’ll explore it.”

On Saturday, the police moved their forward command post from Feathertop Winery near Porepunkah to a government office located about 12km away in the town of Ovens.

A man in a black police uniform standing in front of a blue wall with a police mural.

Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush commented that there have been various “reported sightings” of Dezi Freeman, but none have been validated. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

“The new site is a fit-for-purpose facility and will best support Victoria Police’s operational activity moving forward,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“We would like to reassure the community that police are not leaving the area.”

Victoria Police charge man in Bright

Potential links between Freeman and a 61-year-old man who has been charged with weapons and drug offences are being investigated.

The man was arrested following a search on Friday of a property in Bright, about 6km from Porepunkah, and the seizure of weapons and a quantity of cannabis, police said.

Whether the man was associated with Freeman formed part of an “ongoing investigation”, a Victoria Police spokesperson said on Sunday.

“As this matter is before the court we won’t be making any further comment,” she said.

A man with brown eyes and short brown hair looking into the camera

A search is ongoing for Dezi Freeman, 56, described by police as having proficiency in bushcraft and a deep familiarity with the bushland around Porepunkah. Source: Supplied / Victoria Police

It comes two days Freeman’s wife Mali and the couple’s 15-year-old son were arrested on Thursday night following an operation at an address in Chandler Court near the town’s centre, before they were interviewed and released.

Police helicopters and drones have been circling the area for days in the hope of catching a sign of the fugitive’s whereabouts.

Freeman, who has bush survival experience, was last seen in dark green tracksuit pants, a dark green rain jacket, Blundstone boots and reading glasses, police said.