Kidnapping of American Pastor in South Africa Highlights Rising Crime Concerns
Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa, prompting an investigation by the Hawks. His family was present during the incident, and no ransom has been demanded. Sullivan, a missionary who moved to South Africa in 2018, is the latest victim in a concerning rise in kidnapping cases in the country, which have increased by 264% in the last decade.
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, 45, was kidnapped during a church service in Motherwell, Gqeberha, South Africa. The incident occurred on a Thursday evening when four armed men entered Fellowship Baptist Church. They stole two mobile phones and fled in Sullivan’s vehicle, which was later found abandoned without any trace of him.
The case is now under investigation by South Africa’s elite investigative unit, the Hawks, known for tackling organized crime and corruption. They are actively pursuing leads to locate Pastor Sullivan and apprehend the suspects involved. The US State Department is also aware of the situation, emphasizing the safety of American citizens abroad as a top priority.
Family members were reportedly attending the service during the incident, indicating the attackers may have specifically targeted Sullivan, as confirmed by a family spokesperson. No ransom demand has been reported as of now. Sullivan’s mother shared her heartbreak on social media, mentioning efforts are being made with the assistance of their congressman and the US embassy.
Sullivan is a church planting missionary who relocated to South Africa in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking individuals. His abduction raises serious concerns about the rising trend of kidnappings in South Africa, which have surged by 264% over the past decade according to police data. Similar incidents include the recent kidnapping of a Chinese national in Gqeberha.
The kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan during a church service underscores significant safety concerns in South Africa, particularly regarding the rise in kidnapping incidents. With investigations underway by the Hawks and involvement from the US State Department, efforts are being made to secure his release. This incident reflects a troubling trend of increasing crime rates, particularly abductions, in the region.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
