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Seven weeks after a fatal shooting, parts of Mount Buffalo National Park in Australia have reopened, though the search for accused cop killer Dezi Freeman remains a high priority for authorities. The development comes as Kenya prepares for free national park access on World Tourism Day.
Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria, Australia, has partially reopened to the public as of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, seven weeks after it was shut down during the extensive search for Dezi Freeman, Australia's most wanted man. Freeman is accused of fatally shooting two police officers, Neal Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart, on August 26, 2025, while they were serving a warrant at his home in Porepunkah, approximately 300km northeast of Melbourne. A third officer was also injured in the incident.
Victoria Police announced the reopening, stating that their investigations have provided confidence to allow public access to some areas, though certain sections remain restricted. Despite the partial reopening, Commissioner Mike Bush affirmed that finding Freeman remains one of the force's top priorities. Authorities have indicated that Freeman, 56, might have left the area, although there have been no confirmed sightings since he fled into bushland after the shootings. A reward of A$1 million (approximately KES 87 million) has been offered for information leading to his arrest, the largest such offer in Victoria's history.
Meanwhile, closer to home, Kenyans are set to enjoy free access to all national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, is in celebration of the United Nations World Tourism Day. Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano stated that the aim is to encourage Kenyans to experience the nation's natural treasures and promote conservation awareness.
This marks the second consecutive year that KWS has offered free entry on World Tourism Day. In 2024, the initiative resulted in 83,352 visits in a single day, with nearly an even split between adults and children. The government hopes to foster a greater appreciation for Kenya's rich biodiversity and inspire shared responsibility for its protection.
The reopening of Mount Buffalo National Park follows extensive search efforts involving hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist resources from Australia and New Zealand. Over 800 people have been interviewed, and hundreds of properties searched, with more than 1,600 pieces of intelligence investigated. Despite these efforts, Freeman has not been located. Police are urging anyone with hunting or trail cameras in the park to review their footage for any potentially helpful information.
In Kenya, the free park entry aligns with broader efforts to boost tourism. In May 2025, the Kenyan government announced measures to enhance visitor access and streamline entry procedures at Nairobi National Park, including the opening of two additional gates and plans for a new entry point via the Southern Bypass, to address growing congestion. This followed concerns about long delays at entry gates during a busy weekend.
The exact whereabouts and condition of Dezi Freeman remain unknown. Police have acknowledged the possibility that he may no longer be in the Mount Buffalo area, or that he could be receiving assistance from others. His brother, James Filby, has publicly speculated that Dezi may have died in the national park. These uncertainties continue to fuel the extensive search operation.
The ongoing manhunt for Dezi Freeman will continue to be a significant focus for Australian authorities, with public vigilance and potential new intelligence being crucial. In Kenya, the upcoming free entry day for national parks will be a key indicator of public engagement with conservation efforts and domestic tourism. The effectiveness of the new access measures at Nairobi National Park will also be closely monitored as the tourism sector continues to evolve.
