Police Close In on Fugitive Child Rapist Michael Angok in Sydney Manhunt
Police are closing in on fugitive child rapist Michael Angok, with an arrest expected soon as the intensive manhunt enters its critical third day. The 30-year-old Sudanese national escaped while being transported from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre to Bankstown Hospital in Sydney on Wednesday morning for medical treatment.
Key Information Leads to Breakthrough
Authorities have received crucial information from the public, boosting confidence that an arrest is imminent. Investigators are focusing their efforts on Western Sydney, particularly a property linked to Angok's mother, where they believe he may be hiding or receiving assistance.
Detective Superintendent Brett Van Akker confirmed that Angok had been taken to Bankstown Hospital for medical treatment before fleeing from a ward. Personal items believed to belong to Angok were later discovered abandoned on Gallipoli Road, though there has been no confirmed sighting since his escape.
Dangerous Criminal History and Immigration Status
Van Akker emphasized that Angok is "well known" to police, with a serious criminal conviction and was awaiting deportation at the time of his escape. He was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a gang rape at a Doonside park in 2014, highlighting the grave risk he poses to the community.
According to reports, Angok had been held at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre since his visa was cancelled in late 2016 after being released from prison. During his nine years in immigration detention, he allegedly committed more than 100 offences, including assaults, possessing weapons, stealing, triggering major disturbances, threatening self-harm, and conducting hunger strikes.
Escape Details and Police Appeal
At the time of his escape, Angok was accompanied by three guards from Secure Journeys and had "mechanical restraints" fitted, raising questions about security protocols. Police renewed their urgent appeal on Friday, warning the public not to approach him if seen and to call Triple-0 immediately.
Angok is described as being of African appearance, approximately 175cm to 180cm tall, with a thin build and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, grey tracksuit pants, and white "Croc"-style sandals. Police noted that he previously lived in the Blacktown area and may be using public transport to evade capture.
The manhunt continues as authorities intensify their search, leveraging community tips and focused investigations in Western Sydney to bring this dangerous fugitive to justice.
