The manhunt for Malcolm Naden is now an embarrassment. Embarrassing because the Army has brought in equipment used by our special forces in Afghanistan - helicopters with sniper platforms, thermal imaging equipment, a command post with hi-tech communication gear – but he’s still out there.
The tiny township of Nowendoc is now a military camp and looks like a war zone but the enemy is only one man, a man who allegedly murdered a mother of four children, and responsible for the disappearance of another. Malcolm Naden is Aboriginal and was taught how to survive in the bush by his father when he was a boy.
Yesterday squads of officers in camouflage gear, set off in a convoy of 4WDs and drove 25 kms to begin a harrowing hike through rugged bushland. They were carrying M4 assault rifles mounted with torches and holographic sights, semi-automatic Glock pistols, long blade hunting knives, and attack dogs. Two police helicopters hovered nearby.
The 4WD convoy arrived back at Nowendoc last night around 6pm, weary and frustrated. They should catch this man before he becomes a legend and a hero.
