An American pastor who was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa has been rescued following a dramatic operation that ended in a high-intensity shoot-out, leaving three suspects dead, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Josh Sullivan, 45, was snatched by armed men while delivering a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, last Thursday. The daylight abduction shocked the local congregation and sparked a week-long search by South African law enforcement.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Col. Priscilla Naidu, Pastor Sullivan was found unharmed during a tactical rescue mission on Tuesday evening in a township on the outskirts of the city. The operation, she said, resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire between law enforcement and the suspects.
“Pastor Sullivan is safe and currently under medical observation,” Col. Naidu said. “This was a highly coordinated operation involving intelligence units and specialized tactical response teams.”
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspects, but initial investigations suggest that the kidnappers had intimate knowledge of the pastor’s movements and routines. “It was clearly a targeted abduction,” a police source told local media.
Family members of the pastor, who had traveled with him to South Africa for a mission trip, expressed deep gratitude to the South African police and local community members who supported the search effort. “We’re overwhelmed with relief,” said his wife, Melissa Sullivan. “Our faith has carried us through.”
While the motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, authorities are exploring the possibility of a ransom demand. Pastor Sullivan’s disappearance drew international attention, prompting both U.S. and South African officials to coordinate efforts behind the scenes.
The incident comes amid a disturbing rise in kidnapping cases across South Africa. Police statistics show a staggering 264% increase in abductions over the past decade, with criminals often targeting individuals perceived to be wealthy or high-profile.
Community leaders in Gqeberha have condemned the attack, calling for stronger security measures and better protection for religious institutions. “We must ensure that places of worship remain sanctuaries, not scenes of violence,” said Rev. Mxolisi Guma, head of the local pastors’ union.
The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria issued a statement praising South African authorities for their swift action and advising American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling in the region. “We are grateful for the safe return of Pastor Sullivan and urge all U.S. nationals in South Africa to register with the embassy,” the statement read.
As investigations continue, the rescue of Pastor Sullivan has sparked both relief and renewed conversations around crime, safety, and the protection of vulnerable communities in South Africa.
