An American pastor who was abducted during a church service in South Africa last week has been rescued following a tense and deadly shoot-out with his captors. Josh Sullivan, 45, was found unharmed on Tuesday evening in a township in Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape, just days after his dramatic kidnapping.
Sullivan was leading a service last Thursday when armed men stormed the church and forcibly took him in front of the congregation. According to local authorities, the gunmen appeared to have intimate knowledge of the pastor’s movements and possibly his routine, suggesting a carefully planned operation.
His rescue came after what officials described as a “high-intensity shoot-out” between police and the kidnappers. Three suspects were fatally shot during the operation. While the identities of the assailants have not been released, law enforcement agencies suspect they may be part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in similar abductions for ransom.
The case has underscored growing concerns over the rising tide of violent crime in South Africa. Police statistics show that kidnappings have surged by a staggering 264% over the past decade. Many of these cases are financially motivated, often targeting affluent individuals or foreign nationals. The Eastern Cape, where Gqeberha is located, has seen a noticeable uptick in such crimes.
Josh Sullivan, who has reportedly been working with local communities on various outreach programs, is said to be in good health and receiving support from both US consular officials and local authorities. His family has expressed immense gratitude for the swift action by South African police and the community that helped in his recovery.
In a brief statement, the US embassy praised the cooperation between law enforcement and local communities, calling the rescue a “testament to the commitment to justice and safety.”
While Sullivan’s safe return is a relief, his ordeal highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and international cooperation in tackling the growing menace of organized kidnappings in South Africa.
