US Pastor Josh Sullivan Kidnapped During Church Service in South Africa
Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. Armed men stole his vehicle after an armed entry into the church. The U.S. State Department and local police are actively investigating the case, which has raised concerns due to a significant increase in kidnappings in the region. No ransom has been demanded thus far.
Josh Sullivan, an American pastor, was kidnapped during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Gqeberra, South Africa. This incident occurred when four armed and masked individuals entered the service, stealing two mobile phones and subsequently fleeing in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Local police later discovered the abandoned vehicle, but there was no sign of Pastor Sullivan.
The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the kidnapping, stating that ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is a top priority. South Africa’s elite police unit, known as the Hawks, has taken over the investigation, focusing on serious organized crimes and high-level corruption. Police are actively pursuing leads to locate Pastor Sullivan and capture the assailants.
During the incident, Jeremy Hall, the Sullivan family’s representative, revealed he was present at the church with his family at the time and noted the suspects seemed to know Sullivan personally. Sullivan’s mother expressed her grief on Facebook, mentioning that both their congressman and the U.S. embassy are involved in efforts to secure his return. No ransom demands have been made, according to reports from News24.
Pastor Sullivan, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to create a church for Xhosa-speaking individuals, identifies as “a church planting missionary” on his website. There has been a striking 264% surge in kidnapping incidents in South Africa over the past decade. Recently, a Chinese national was also kidnapped in the same area, underscoring the ongoing issue of abduction in the region.
The kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan highlights the alarming rise in abductions in South Africa, which has seen a 264% increase in incidents over the last decade. The involvement of both local authorities and the U.S. State Department reflects the seriousness of the case. Efforts are underway to find the pastor, and the community remains hopeful for his safe return.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
