A group of men in the high-country near Mount Buffalo discussed forming a bush posse to try to capture accused killer Dezi Freeman and claim a record A$1 million reward, Australian media reported, even as police repeatedly warned the public against vigilante action.
Freeman has not been seen since shortly before 11 a.m. on August 26, when he allegedly shot and killed two Victoria Police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35. Victoria Police announced the A$1 million reward — the largest ever offered in the state — in an effort to accelerate information leading to his arrest. Police have urged anyone with information to contact authorities and cautioned people not to approach or attempt to detain Freeman because of the risk of further violence.
The Daily Mail reported that the men, heard in conversation in the Porepunkah and Bright area, debated whether it was worth heading into bushland to try to find Freeman and claim the reward, before deciding not to go. The towns of Porepunkah and Bright, close to the Mount Buffalo National Park, have been repeatedly named in local accounts as places where the bounty announcement sparked visible discussion and concern.
Victoria Police have mounted an ongoing search and investigative effort since the killings and have asked the community to avoid taking enforcement into their own hands. Authorities have said Freeman should be considered dangerous and that armed members of the public confronting him could lead to more harm. Police have also asked anyone with tips to provide information through official channels to ensure it can be corroborated and acted upon safely.
Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart was farewelled at an emotional service at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne on Friday. Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson is due to be honoured at a service on Monday, Victoria Police said.
The offer of A$1 million marks an unprecedented reward in Victoria and underscores the intensity of the manhunt and the priority police are placing on bringing Freeman into custody. Police have continued to appeal for witnesses and urged anyone who may have seen Freeman or recent suspicious activity in the region to come forward immediately to support the investigation.