US Pastor Rescued in South Africa After Dramatic Police Shootout

An American missionary who was abducted mid-sermon in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has been rescued following a dramatic police operation that left three suspects dead.

Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old pastor from Tennessee, was preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell last Thursday evening when four armed and masked men stormed the church. In a terrifying scene, the intruders robbed members of the congregation before abducting Sullivan at gunpoint.

His vehicle was discovered hours later, abandoned—fueling fears for his safety.

Multi-Agency Operation Ends in Gunfire

A specialized team made up of South Africa’s Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime unit launched a rapid investigation. By Tuesday, they had traced Sullivan’s suspected location to a house in KwaMagxaki, a suburb of Gqeberha just 20 minutes from the scene of the abduction.

As police moved in, suspects in a vehicle parked outside the property attempted to flee and opened fire on law enforcement officers. Police returned fire, resulting in the deaths of three unidentified suspects.

Sullivan was safely rescued from the premises. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects are being pursued or if arrests were made.

Pastor Based in South Africa Since 2018

Josh Sullivan has lived in South Africa since 2018, serving the local community through the Fellowship Baptist Church with his wife and two children. The motive behind his abduction remains unclear, but local police believe it may be linked to organized criminal activity in the region.

The US Embassy has been notified, and Sullivan is receiving medical care and trauma support.

Community and Global Reactions

The incident has sparked concern across both South African and American religious communities. Church members described the kidnapping as “horrifying” and said they feared the worst until the rescue was confirmed.

South African authorities have been praised for the swift and coordinated response. However, the event has reignited debate about rising crime levels in the Eastern Cape and the safety of missionaries working in high-risk areas.

Investigation Ongoing

Law enforcement agencies have launched a full investigation to uncover the motive and networks behind the abduction. Police say more details will be released once Sullivan has had time to recover and debrief.

“This rescue sends a strong message: we will not tolerate violent crimes, especially those targeting places of worship and community leaders,” police said in a statement.

{Source: The Mercury}

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