Wife of fugitive Dezi Freeman pleads for surrender as police manhunt enters seventh day

The manhunt for fugitive Dezi Freeman, accused of murdering two police officers in Victoria's north-east, has stretched into its seventh day, with authorities battling harsh alpine conditions in their search.

Freeman, 56, allegedly shot Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, during an attempted warrant execution at his Porepunkah property last Tuesday, before fleeing armed into nearby bushland.

Police say Freeman, an experienced bushman, is familiar with the rugged terrain around Mount Buffalo National Park. More than 450 officers, supported by helicopters, drones, and armoured vehicles, have been deployed to scour caves, disused mines, and dense bushland. Severe weather, including heavy snowfall and driving rain, has further hampered efforts.

Despite several reported sightings, authorities confirmed no verified trace of Freeman. "We're exploring every lead, but none are confirmed," Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said.

Wife issues public plea

On Sunday, Freeman's wife, Amalia, released a statement expressing "deep sorrow" over the deaths of the two officers and urging her husband to surrender.

"My children and I grieve with the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart," she said. "Please Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a safe surrender with police."

Mrs Freeman stressed that she and her children reject her husband's anti-government beliefs, widely linked to the "sovereign citizen" movement. "We respect the important work of Victoria Police and do not hold anti-authority views," she said.

Her comments followed her and the couple's 15-year-old son's arrest during a Thursday night raid in Porepunkah. Both were later released without charge.

Fresh arrests in surrounding towns

On Friday, police arrested Bright resident and local blacksmith Steve Mallett, 61, during a raid that uncovered weapons and cannabis. He has been charged with firearm and drug offences but denies any link to Freeman beyond both being members of a survivalist "preppers" group.

"I've never met him," Mr Mallett said after being granted bail. "Now I'm scared to even walk down the main street." He is due to appear in Myrtleford Magistrates' Court on October 3.

Police have warned anyone harbouring or assisting Freeman will face prosecution.

Freeman's last known description

Authorities say Freeman was last seen wearing dark green tracksuit pants, a matching rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.

Victoria Police have relocated their forward command post from Feathertop Winery to Ovens, 12km from Porepunkah, to better coordinate the ongoing search.

"The community should be reassured police are not leaving the area," a spokesperson said.