U.S. pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. Four armed men stormed his church, stealing mobile phones and driving away in his vehicle. Local authorities are investigating, and the U.S. State Department is involved. The incident highlights rising kidnapping rates in the region.
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa when armed assailants invaded the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Gqeberra, on Thursday evening. Four masked men entered the church, stole two mobile phones, and fled in Mr. Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later discovered abandoned without any trace of him.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed awareness of the incident, emphasizing that ensuring the safety and security of American citizens abroad is their utmost priority. Local police have assigned the case to South Africa’s specialized unit, the Hawks, dedicated to investigating serious crimes and corruption. Captain Andre Beetge stated that the police are pursuing leads to find the victim and capture the perpetrators.
The Sullivan family spoke to the media regarding the incident, noting that Mr. Sullivan had been with his family at the church during the attack. Family spokesperson Jeremy Hall revealed that the kidnappers appeared to be aware of Mr. Sullivan’s identity. His mother expressed her heartbreak on social media and mentioned that efforts were ongoing by a congressional representative and the American embassy to locate him.
No ransom demand has been made public, according to reports from News24. On his personal website, Mr. Sullivan presents himself as “a church planting missionary,” having relocated to South Africa with his family in 2018 to serve the Xhosa-speaking community. The alarming trend of kidnappings has escalated in South Africa, showing a reported 264% increase over the last decade, with another recent incident involving a Chinese national also reported in Gqberra.
The kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan in South Africa during a church service underscores a broader issue of rising violence and crime in the region. The quick response from local authorities and the U.S. State Department reflects the seriousness of the situation, and ongoing efforts are being made to locate him. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by expatriates in areas experiencing high crime rates.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
