American Pastor Josh Sullivan Kidnapped During Church Service in South Africa

Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa by armed men. The incident occurred at Fellowship Baptist Church, and despite the recovery of his vehicle, he remains missing. U.S. authorities are involved in the investigation, which is led by South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks. The case highlights an alarming trend of increasing kidnappings in the country.

An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped by armed assailants during a church service at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a township in Gqeberra, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This incident occurred on Thursday evening when four masked men disrupted the service, stealing two phones before making their escape in the 45-year-old pastor’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Although police later recovered the abandoned vehicle, Mr. Sullivan remains missing.

The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the incident involving a kidnapped American citizen, emphasizing that ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is their utmost priority. The investigation into this case has been assigned to South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, which focuses on serious organized crime and high-level corruption. According to Hawks spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, police are diligently pursuing all leads to locate Mr. Sullivan and capture the perpetrators.

Jeremy Hall, representing the Sullivan family, revealed that they were present at the church when the kidnapping occurred, noting that the assailants were familiar with Mr. Sullivan. His mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, stating, “Our congressman and American embassy are working on finding him.” There have been no ransom demands reported, according to News24. Mr. Sullivan identifies as “a church planting missionary” and moved to South Africa in 2018 with his family to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking communities.

Data shows a troubling 264% increase in kidnappings in South Africa over the past decade, highlighting a growing concern. This particular incident follows closely on the heels of another kidnapping involving a Chinese national in Gqeberra.

In summary, the kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan during a church service in South Africa underscores the growing issue of abductions in the region. Local authorities are actively investigating the case, while U.S. representatives are involved to ensure the pastor’s safe recovery. Continued monitoring of crime statistics indicates a troubling trend in safety for foreign nationals in South Africa, calling for heightened security measures.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk