American Pastor Abducted at Gunpoint in South Africa’s Latest Kidnapping Incident

Josh Sullivan

Source: Africa Publicity

A shocking incident unfolded in South Africa when armed men stormed a church service, kidnapping American pastor Josh Sullivan, 45, at gunpoint. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a township in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

According to Captain Andre Beetge, police spokesman, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church, stole two phones, and fled with Pastor Sullivan in his silver Toyota Fortuner. The vehicle was later found abandoned, but there was no sign of the pastor.

Investigation Underway

The case has been handed over to South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, which investigates serious crimes and high-level corruption. “The police are currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” said Hawks spokesman Lt Col Avele Fumba.

Pastor’s Background

Pastor Sullivan, a church-planting missionary, moved to South Africa with his wife and children in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people. He describes himself as dedicated to sharing the gospel and has reported conversions and baptisms in his church community.

Reaction from Family and Authorities

The US State Department is aware of the situation and prioritizes the safety and security of US citizens abroad. Pastor Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, noting that their congressman and the American embassy are working to find him. Jeremy Hall, the Sullivan family’s spokesman, who was present at the church, revealed that the kidnappers knew Pastor Sullivan’s name.

Concerns about Kidnapping in South Africa

This incident highlights South Africa’s growing kidnapping problem, with a 264% increase over the past decade, according to police statistics. Recently, a Chinese national was also kidnapped in Gqeberha, raising concerns about safety in the area.