An American pastor who was abducted during a church service in South Africa last week has been successfully rescued following a high-stakes Police operation that resulted in the deaths of three suspects.
Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped from a church in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape last Thursday, was found unharmed late Tuesday April 15 evening in the same township where the abduction occurred. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the kidnappers but suspect they were familiar with the family’s routine.
The elite South African police unit, the Hawks, reported that the rescue operation was launched after receiving verified intelligence, which led to a swift response by a coordinated team. As the officers neared the suspects’ hideout, an attempt was made by the kidnappers to flee in a vehicle while opening fire. The situation escalated into a high-intensity shootout, resulting in the fatalities of three unidentified individuals. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Hawks, which specialise in investigating organised crime, economic offences, and serious criminal activities.
Sullivan’s family, who had made emotional public appeals for his safe release, expressed their relief at the outcome. Initially, there were no ransom demands, but the situation changed when the kidnappers eventually made a financial request. The pastor, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking communities, was abducted while attending a service with his wife and children. His kidnapping highlights the alarming rise in abductions in South Africa, where police statistics reveal a staggering 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade.