U.S. Pastor Josh Sullivan Rescued After Abduction in South Africa

U.S. Pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted in South Africa but rescued during a police operation. Three suspects were killed during the rescue, and Sullivan was found unharmed. His abduction reflects a significant rise in kidnappings in the country, with over 17,000 cases reported in the last financial year.

A U.S. pastor, Josh Sullivan, was abducted last week from his church, Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, near Gqeberha, South Africa. Law enforcement reported that Sullivan was taken at gunpoint while delivering a sermon. His abduction coincides with an alarming increase in kidnapping incidents throughout South Africa.

South African police acted on intelligence received and conducted a rescue operation in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. Upon approach, the suspects attempted to escape in a vehicle, resulting in a shoot-out with the police. Three suspects were fatally shot during this confrontation. Thankfully, Sullivan was found inside the vehicle, reportedly unharmed.

Josh Sullivan, aged 45, is originally from Tennessee, having relocated to South Africa with his family in November 2018. This incident reflects the troubling trend of rising kidnappings in the region, with police reporting over 17,000 cases recorded in the 2023/2024 financial year, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year.

The rescue of Pastor Josh Sullivan highlights the critical issue of rising kidnappings in South Africa, with police successfully intervening amid a surge in such crimes. The operation resulted in the loss of three suspects while Sullivan emerged unharmed. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing safety concerns in a nation reporting thousands of kidnappings yearly.

Original Source: newscentral.africa