Wife of accused Porepunkah gunman says she does not hold anti-authority views

The wife of alleged Porepunkah gunman Dezi Freeman has urged her husband to surrender and anyone harbouring him to come forward to the police.

In a statement to the media via her lawyer on Sunday, Amalia Freeman, or “Mali”, expressed her “deep sorrow” at the deaths of two policemen allegedly killed by her husband on Tuesday.

“On behalf of my children and myself, I wish to share our deep sorrow for the loss of the lives of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart on 26 August 2025,” the 42-year-old, who has three children with Freeman, said in the statement.

“We are truly sorry for your loss, and the suffering and grief that the families, friends and colleagues of Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson and Senior Constable De Waart are now experiencing. My children and I grieve for the loss of your loved ones.”

Amalia Freeman, who was arrested and then released alongside her 15-year-old son on Thursday, said she did not hold anti-authority views such as those widely reported about her husband.

“My children and I respect the important work of Victoria Police and do not hold anti-authority views,” she said.

“We echo the requests of the Victoria Police for the swift and safe conclusion of this tragedy. I lend my full support to Victoria Police in their search for my husband and will co-operate with Victoria Police in any way that I can.

“Please, Dezi, if you see or hear this, call 000 and arrange a surrender plan with the police.

“If anyone is harbouring, helping or supporting Dezi, please call 000 immediately and speak with the police.”

Earlier on Sunday, a 61-year-old man was charged with possessing an imitation firearm after he was arrested during the search for Freeman.

Officers allegedly seized weapons and cannabis on Friday while executing a search warrant at a home in the alpine town of Bright, about seven kilometres from Porepunkah.

The 61-year-old was arrested at the property and has since been charged with possessing a prohibited imitation firearm and possessing a drug of dependence. He will appear before the Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court on October 3.

A spokesman for Victoria Police said on Saturday that one of their lines of inquiry during police interviews would be whether the Bright man was directly connected to Freeman, 56.

Sunday marks day six of the search for Freeman after the shooting deaths of officers Thompson and De Waart last Tuesday.

More than 450 police have been deployed to Porepunkah to aid in the search for Freeman across farmland and through thick forested areas near Mount Buffalo.

Mali and her 15-year-old son were taken into custody during an operation in Porepunkah on Thursday night.

They were interviewed “specifically in relation to the homicide” and released, and Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said charges could follow.

On Sunday Police Minister Anthony Carbines also urged Freeman to surrender, saying police would continue the search until he was found.

“There is a strain on the community, a strain on our police services,” he said. “We would like to see this dangerous, armed offender brought to justice as soon as possible.

“Everyone is doing all they can to bring this to a conclusion. No one should question the resoluteness of the police service to bring any armed offender that’s committed alleged murders of members of our police service to justice.”

Police have extended a no-fly zone over Porepunkah until 11.30pm on Tuesday, which applies to all aircraft, including drones.

“Given the suspect in this matter is heavily armed, this condition has been granted due to the risk to aircraft and drones, as well as potential implications associated with the suspect tracking police movements based off media coverage,” Victoria Police said.

“We appreciate your understanding and continued assistance with this matter.”

With Daniella White

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