The Northern Territory police officer cleared of murdering Kumanjayi Walker has left Australia only days after he says he was issued another disciplinary notice and informed by command that they planned to sack him from the force because of his mental health.
Zachary Rolfe said in a 2,500-word statement published on Facebook on Thursday night that he was a “good cop” who “loved the job”, but that he had been “painted” as racist and violent.
His father, Richard Rolfe, confirmed to Guardian Australia that Rolfe had left the country, but that he expected him to return in several months.
Walker was shot dead by Rolfe in the remote community of Yuendumu in 2019. The death is currently subject to an inquest and Rolfe has been pursuing legal action to avoid giving evidence.
Richard Rolfe said that earlier this month, as his son was preparing to return to work in the NT police force, he received a letter from an assistant commissioner informing him that his employment would be terminated because of his mental health.
This decision, combined with the recent sacking of senior police officer Mark Casey, who had supported Rolfe, and the force issuing Rolfe with another disciplinary notice for speaking with the Seven Network’s Spotlight program more than a year ago, had forced his son to leave, Richard Rolfe said.
“I’m very disappointed that he feels he needs to leave the country … but I respect that’s what he has to do,” Richard Rolfe said.
He described the recent “bitter” blows as “kicks in the guts” and said he feared the pressure could have ended in his son killing himself.
“If you’ve got someone being dismissed because of mental health concerns about them … and then you [the NT police] push them even further, what’s the end game?”
Richard Rolfe said he did not believe his son had left to avoid giving evidence before the inquest and said he expected him to do so should ongoing legal action fail.
In his statement on the “I support Constable Zach Rolfe” Facebook page, Rolfe rails against the inquest, saying there was “blatant and obvious” bias involved in the investigation into Walker’s death.
He criticises the NT police commissioner, Jamie Chalker, and calls on him to resign.
Rolfe outlines experiences he had while policing that he says demonstrate who he really is, including allowing a man to stand on his own boots so his feet didn’t burn on hot bitumen, helping a suicidal 12-year-old boy and saving an “escaped criminal” who had become lost in the bush only minutes before his kidneys shut down.
He also says he turned from “protector to medic” immediately after shooting Walker three times and tried to reassure the dying man by referring to him as “my brother” while he worked to save his life.
“If all you know of me is through the media then you see me as a violent thug, an ex-soldier with a past,” Rolfe wrote.
“You don’t see me on duty finding children at 3am, in breach of their bail in the city; you don’t see me talking to them and asking why they’re there only to find out they haven’t had a proper meal in days.
“You don’t see me (instead of arresting them) taking them home past a 24-hour service station and buying them a meal, letting them choose some lollies as long as they choose something healthy as well.”
Rolfe apologises for racist texts, which he insinuates were released by the coroner to cause him reputational damage, and says that other incidents that have been made public regarding his history as a police officer were also “taken out of context”.
“You don’t see all the countless people I’ve done my best to help,” he writes.
“I was in the job to protect people, but if you were a violent offender, causing others harm, or you tried to prevent me doing my job to protect and defend, I make no apologies for doing my job.
“Legitimate authority should win; otherwise, what’s the point of a civilised society?”
In response to Guardian Australia’s questions, a spokesperson for the NT police said it is “respectful of the coronial process” and will continue to be throughout the remaining evidence.
“There has been significant evidence already provided to the inquest by police, including about improvements within the agency since November 2019, and further witnesses are due to appear as we continue our cooperation with the process,” the spokesperson said.
NT police did not respond to questions about Chalker.
Rolfe has launched several legal challenges in a bid to avoid giving evidence at the inquest, which was originally expected to be finalised by the end of last year but could now run until August.
The NT supreme court ruled in December that he could be compelled to testify at the inquest, which is set to resume on Monday.
Yuendumu community and family members are continuing to grieve the loss of Walker and are preparing to again travel the 330km to Alice Springs, where they will again set up a tent in front of the courthouse.
Family and friends have gathered outside court previously to support each other and seek reprieve during the inquest.
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
