American Pastor abducted during church service in South Africa rescued
Josh Sullivan, the 45-year-old pastor, was found unharmed on Tuesday evening in a township in Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape.
An American pastor who was abducted during a church service in South Africa last week has been rescued in a dramatic operation.
Authorities say the mission turned violent, resulting in a fierce shoot-out that left three people dead.
Josh Sullivan, the 45-year-old pastor, was found unharmed on Tuesday evening in a township in Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape.
His rescue comes five days after he was forcibly taken during a service held last Thursday.
Officials have not released full details about the suspects, but early indications suggest the kidnappers were familiar with the pastor’s routines and the movements of his family.
This has raised concerns about whether the abduction was premeditated and possibly involved someone close to the family.
South African police have expressed relief at Sullivan’s safe recovery but acknowledged the ongoing challenges in dealing with the rising trend of kidnappings.
The shoot-out that led to his rescue underscores the dangerous lengths authorities sometimes face in such high-stakes operations.
According to police data, South Africa has experienced a staggering 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade.
The surge has sparked public concern and intensified pressure on law enforcement to tackle organized crime and improve security.