In a dramatic turn of events, US pastor Josh Sullivan was freed following a high-stakes shootout that resulted in the deaths of three suspects. The 45-year-old was taken hostage during a church service last Thursday and was rescued by South Africa's elite police unit, the Hawks, in the Eastern Cape township where he was abducted.
US Pastor Rescued After Kidnapping in South Africa Amid Deadly Shootout
US Pastor Rescued After Kidnapping in South Africa Amid Deadly Shootout
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, has been rescued unharmed after a tense kidnapping ordeal in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Josh Sullivan, affiliated with the Fellowship Baptist Church, was unharmed upon rescue. Police stated they acted upon verified intelligence that led to a swift operation targeting the suspects' location. As the Hawks moved in, the kidnappers attempted to flee in a vehicle, initiating a shootout that ended fatally for three unidentified individuals.
Sullivan's family and community had rallied for his safe return, with spokesperson Jeremy Hall revealing that the pastor was kidnapped while attending church with his family. Sullivan, who has been living in South Africa since 2018, was working on establishing a church for Xhosa-speaking locals at the time of his abduction. This incident highlights the alarming rise in ransom kidnappings reported in South Africa over the past decade.
South African authorities continue to address this growing issue as the community breathes a sigh of relief with Sullivan's safe return.
Sullivan's family and community had rallied for his safe return, with spokesperson Jeremy Hall revealing that the pastor was kidnapped while attending church with his family. Sullivan, who has been living in South Africa since 2018, was working on establishing a church for Xhosa-speaking locals at the time of his abduction. This incident highlights the alarming rise in ransom kidnappings reported in South Africa over the past decade.
South African authorities continue to address this growing issue as the community breathes a sigh of relief with Sullivan's safe return.
