An American pastor kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa has been freed following a "high-intensity shoot-out" that left three people dead, police say.
Josh Sullivan was found unharmed in the township of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on the evening of April 15, 2025, after being taken last Thursday, April 10, 2025. The police operation was initiated after the kidnappers made a ransom demand, prompting the intervention of South Africa's elite police unit, known as the Hawks.
According to a statement released by the Hawks, Sullivan was rescued following "verified intelligence wherein a coordinated team… moved swiftly to the identified location." As officers approached the house where Sullivan was being held, the suspects attempted to flee in a vehicle while opening fire. "The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded," Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba said.
Jeremy Hall, the Sullivan family's spokesman, revealed that Sullivan was in the church with his wife and their six children when he was kidnapped. "They knew his name," Hall said, emphasizing the targeted nature of the abduction.
Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, describes himself as "a church planting missionary" on his personal website. He moved to South Africa with his family in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people. The Fellowship Baptist Church, where he was kidnapped, has been a focal point of his missionary work.
During a prayer meeting with about 30 attendees, armed men stormed the church, stole two cellphones, and abducted Sullivan in his vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned in Motherwell. Rev. Jeremy Hall suggested that Sullivan's abduction was likely financially motivated, a claim supported by the increasing trend of kidnappings for ransom in South Africa.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge noted that cases involving ransom demands are typically handed over to the Hawks unit. Kidnappings in South Africa have surged in recent years, with an average of 51 abductions reported daily, a statistic that underscores the growing concern over safety in the region.
Sullivan was holding a prayer meeting when the armed kidnappers entered the church. His wife, Megan, expressed gratitude for the community's support during this difficult time, stating, "I just want to say thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home."
After the rescue, Sullivan was assessed by medical personnel and was reported to be in excellent condition. His mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, shared her relief on social media, saying, "A sad situation but I’m so thankful my son is home alive and safe. Thank you Lord!"
The operation to rescue Sullivan was a significant success for the South African police, who have faced criticism over rising crime rates and the prevalence of violent incidents. The Hawks, in particular, have been under scrutiny as they tackle organized crime and kidnapping rings.
Tom Hatley, the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, where Sullivan had served since 2012, confirmed the rescue in a Facebook post. "Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known,’" Hatley wrote, urging for privacy for the Sullivan family as they recover from the traumatic experience.
In the wake of Sullivan's abduction, the church community has rallied together, emphasizing the need for prayer and support for both Sullivan and his family. The church has also faced backlash, with some individuals questioning the motivations behind sending missionaries to South Africa.
As the investigation into Sullivan's kidnapping continues, police have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward. They have expressed gratitude for the public's support and the role it played in the successful rescue operation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals working in areas with high crime rates and the complexities surrounding missionary work in foreign countries. Sullivan’s story highlights the resilience of faith communities in the face of adversity and the importance of community support during crises.
As South Africa grapples with its rising crime rates, the authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of both locals and foreigners. The successful rescue of Josh Sullivan is a testament to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in combating the alarming trend of kidnappings, but it also raises questions about the broader issues of safety and security in the region.
In the end, while Sullivan's ordeal has come to a fortunate conclusion, it sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by many in South Africa, where the specter of violence and crime looms large. The community's response, coupled with the swift action of law enforcement, underscores the importance of vigilance and support in times of crisis.
