New South Wales Police have been scouring the wetlands of Bega for a double-edged dagger believed to be connected to the fatal stabbing of 43-year-old Gordon Kessey, as a homicide probe continues without any arrests.
The search for the murder weapon follows an altercation in the early hours of 6 October on East Street, which resulted in Mr Kessey being found stabbed in a nearby park.
The investigation has seen police execute a search warrant at a Bega home and conduct forensic analysis on a vehicle, but the specific weapon has eluded capture. A recent dive team operation in the local wetlands failed to recover any evidence.
Superintendent Darren Brand confirmed the ongoing efforts, stating, “We are conducting extensive searches and urge anyone with information to come forward. We have ruled out gang connections.”
He emphasised that while the groups involved were known to police, the incident was not classified as gang-related. The victim’s family has expressed their devastation, joining community vigils that are calling for swift justice and improved safety measures in the rural town.
This case highlights a worrying 12 per cent spike in crime in the Bega area during 2025, echoing unresolved cases from 2023 and drawing parallels to the region’s historical unsolved murders.
The difficult terrain of the wetlands presents a significant forensic challenge, potentially delaying justice. The economic impact on the region, which relies heavily on tourism, is already estimated to be over £500,000.
The situation has amplified calls for a proposed £10 million rural policing fund to be activated, with authorities wary of the potential for vigilante action if the case remains unsolved and public anxiety continues to mount.
Written by Were Kelly
Sources: ABC News (abc.net.au), Bega District News (begadistrictnews.com.au).
