US Pastor Rescued in South Africa After Police Shootout

Josh Sullivan, a US pastor, was rescued in South Africa after being kidnapped during a sermon. A police shootout resulted in the deaths of three abductor suspects. Sullivan, unhurt, has since been reunited with his family. The incident illustrates a significant rise in kidnappings across South Africa, often linked to organized crime.

A US pastor was rescued in South Africa after a police shootout led to the death of three armed abductors. The incident occurred during a church service in the Eastern Cape province, where Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old missionary from Tennessee, was kidnapped by masked men last Thursday. Following an investigation by a multi-agency task force, officers located Sullivan in a house in KwaMagxaki on Tuesday night.

Sullivan was taken from the pulpit after the suspects stole two cellphones from congregants before fleeing the scene in his abandoned truck. The authorities deployed a task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit, to search for him. When officers approached the location, suspects triggered a shootout while trying to flee, resulting in their deaths.

Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba confirmed Sullivan was located unharmed inside the suspects’ vehicle and was swiftly assessed by medical personnel, reporting him to be in excellent condition. The rise in kidnappings in South Africa, escalating by 264% over the last decade, has been linked to organized crime tactics, though fewer than 5% involve ransom demands.

Sullivan, who has been in South Africa since 2018, has since reunited with his family. Tom Hatley, who is a training pastor associated with Sullivan, shared a family photo on social media announcing his release. Hatley expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received during Sullivan’s ordeal and emphasized the importance of continued prayers for the family.

The article emphasizes the successful rescue of US pastor Josh Sullivan in South Africa following a dramatic police shootout that resulted in the deaths of three suspects. Sullivan’s kidnapping highlights the troubling rise in violent crime, including kidnappings in the region. His safe return was aided by a specialized task force, and he has since reunited with his family, receiving support from the community during this crisis.

Original Source: apnews.com