An American pastor was kidnapped by armed assailants during a church service in South Africa, prompting a major investigation by the country’s elite police unit. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a township in the coastal city of Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape province.
The victim, 45-year-old Josh Sullivan, was conducting a religious service when four armed and masked men stormed the church. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers appeared to be well-coordinated and moved swiftly through the congregation. They stole two mobile phones before fleeing the scene in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner.
Later that evening, the vehicle was found abandoned not far from the location of the abduction. However, there was no sign of Sullivan, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have since launched a manhunt in an effort to locate him and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident has shaken the local community as well as Sullivan’s family and supporters, who are anxiously awaiting updates. Family members were present at the church during the attack, including Sullivan’s wife and children. A family representative said that the gunmen appeared to have known the pastor’s identity, suggesting the kidnapping may have been premeditated rather than random.
The case is now being handled by the Hawks, South Africa’s specialist investigative unit that focuses on organized crime and corruption. Officials say they are following multiple leads and are determined to secure Sullivan’s safe return. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed the motive behind the kidnapping, and no ransom demand has been made as of now.
Sullivan is known in the region as a missionary and church planter. He moved to South Africa in 2018 with his family with the aim of establishing a Christian ministry specifically for Xhosa-speaking communities. His work in the country has been described as dedicated and deeply rooted in local engagement.
The kidnapping has also attracted international attention, especially in the United States, where Sullivan’s family is working closely with authorities. His mother expressed anguish over the situation, sharing her heartbreak and affirming that efforts were underway from both diplomatic and governmental channels to assist in finding her son.
This incident adds to a growing list of kidnappings in South Africa, a country that has witnessed a sharp rise in such crimes over the past decade. According to recent statistics, kidnappings have surged by over 260%, raising concerns about the safety of residents and foreign nationals alike. Criminal groups often target individuals for ransom, though in some cases the motives can be more complex, ranging from political messaging to personal vendettas.
Just days prior to this case, another foreign national a Chinese citizen was reportedly kidnapped in Gqeberha, suggesting a disturbing pattern in the region. The proximity of these incidents has heightened security concerns, especially for foreign workers and missionaries operating in areas with limited police visibility and resources.
As the investigation continues, local authorities urge anyone with information about the kidnapping to come forward. Community members are hopeful for a swift resolution and the safe return of Pastor Josh Sullivan.
