An American pastor, Josh Sullivan from Tennessee, who was abducted during a sermon in South Africa, has been safely rescued following a police operation that resulted in the deaths of three suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred on April 10, 2025, at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, where Sullivan has been serving as a missionary since 2018. Four armed, masked men stormed the church during a service, stole cellphones from congregants, and forcibly removed Sullivan from the pulpit. His vehicle was later found abandoned nearby.
A multi-agency task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, tracked the suspects to a house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. On April 15, as police approached, the suspects attempted to flee in a vehicle and opened fire, prompting a shootout in which three suspects were killed. Sullivan was found unharmed inside the vehicle and is reported to be in excellent condition.
Authorities suspect the kidnapping was financially motivated, though no ransom demand was made. Eyewitnesses indicated that the assailants appeared to know Sullivan by name.
Sullivan has since been reunited with his wife and two children. His mentor, Tom Hatley, confirmed the release on social media, expressing gratitude for the support and requesting continued prayers for the family.
This incident highlights the rising trend of kidnappings in South Africa, which have increased by 264% over the past decade, often linked to armed robberies rather than ransom demands .
