US Pastor Kidnapped During Church Service in South Africa
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa, sparking international concern and a wide-ranging police investigation.
Armed Raid at Fellowship Baptist Church
The shocking incident occurred on Thursday evening at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a township in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. According to police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, four masked and armed men stormed into the church during a live service.
“They entered during the service, demanded valuables, and stole two phones before fleeing in Pastor Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner,” Captain Beetge reported. The 45-year-old pastor was taken alongside his vehicle, which was later found abandoned with no trace of him.
Elite Crime Unit Takes Over Investigation
The case has since been taken over by South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, the Hawks, who specialize in tackling serious organized crimes and high-level corruption. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba confirmed they are pursuing all leads.
“The police is currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” said Lt Col Fumba.
Personal and International Response
Jeremy Hall, a family spokesperson, told TimesLive that he was at the church with his wife and children when the kidnapping occurred, noting that the attackers seemed to know Pastor Sullivan by name.
Mr. Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed heartbreak over the incident in a Facebook post, adding that their U.S. congressman and the American embassy are actively involved in efforts to locate him.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department confirmed to the BBC that they are aware of the incident, stating that “there is no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad.”
A Missionary Life in South Africa
Josh Sullivan is described as a church-planting missionary. According to his personal website, he moved to South Africa in 2018 with his wife and children to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking communities.
No Ransom, Rising Kidnappings
As of now, no ransom demand has been made, according to South Africa’s News24. The kidnapping comes amidst a disturbing trend in the country. According to police statistics, South Africa has experienced a 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade. Just days before Sullivan’s abduction, a Chinese national was kidnapped in the same city of Gqeberha.
Authorities continue to search for Sullivan as pressure mounts both locally and internationally to find the missing pastor and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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US Pastor Kidnapped During Church Service in South Africa