US Pastor Josh Sullivan Kidnapped During South African Church Service
American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa by armed men. The police are investigating with the Hawks, focusing on finding Sullivan and capturing the suspects. Family and US officials are involved, emphasizing the rising trend of kidnappings in the region.
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped during a church service in Motherwell, Gqeberha, South Africa. Armed men stormed the service on Thursday evening, with four masked suspects entering the Fellowship Baptist Church. They stole two phones and fled in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned with no trace of the pastor.
The US State Department confirmed awareness of the kidnapping, emphasizing the safety of US citizens abroad as a primary concern. South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, is investigating the case, focusing on all leads to locate Sullivan and apprehend the kidnappers. Hawks spokesman Lt Col Avele Fumba stated that the police are actively pursuing potential leads.
Sullivan’s wife and children were present during the incident, as indicated by family spokesman Jeremy Hall. Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook and mentioned that efforts are being made by their congressman and the American embassy to locate him.
No ransom has been reported, according to sources including News24. Sullivan, who has been in South Africa since 2018, is a church planting missionary dedicated to serving Xhosa-speaking communities. Notably, South African police statistics reveal a troubling 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade, indicating a rising trend in such crimes in the region. Recently, a Chinese national was also kidnapped in Gqeberha.
US pastor Josh Sullivan’s kidnapping in South Africa highlights significant security concerns, especially as kidnappings have surged in the region. Local authorities are investigating with the Hawks, while the US State Department prioritizes the safety of its citizens. The Sullivan family is actively seeking assistance from American officials as the case unfolds. Maintaining focus on safety and community support is crucial during this alarming incident.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
