In a troubling incident that underscores the growing security concerns in South Africa, American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Gqeberha's Motherwell township. Armed men reportedly stormed the service on Thursday evening, stealing personal belongings and taking Sullivan's vehicle before fleeing the scene. Local authorities have mobilized an elite police unit, the Hawks, to pursue leads in the ongoing investigation. While the US State Department has acknowledged the situation, no ransom has been demanded. Sullivan, who relocated to South Africa in 2018 with his family, has seen the alarming rise in kidnappings, which spiked by 264% over the past decade.
Pastor Abducted During Church Service in South Africa Amid Rising Kidnappings
Pastor Abducted During Church Service in South Africa Amid Rising Kidnappings
An American missionary has been kidnapped in a church service, prompting an urgent police response in South Africa.
The FBI is advising family members on best practices in such situations.
In the wake of the incident, the police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that four masked suspects entered the church and took personal items, including two cellphones, before abducting the pastor in his silver Toyota Fortuner. Police quickly located the abandoned vehicle but reported no further clues regarding Sullivan's whereabouts.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department reiterated that the protection of American citizens overseas is a top priority and that they are closely monitoring the situation. Lt Col Avele Fumba of the Hawks confirmed that all available avenues are being explored to locate the pastor and apprehend the suspects.
The Sullivan family is receiving support during this distressing time, with communal sentiments expressed through social media. Sullivan is known for his efforts in church planting among Xhosa-speaking populations since relocating to the region. His mother expressed her heartbreak over her son’s kidnapping while officials work to resolve the case. Notably, South Africa has faced a drastic increase in kidnappings lately, raising concerns for both residents and expatriates.
In the wake of the incident, the police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that four masked suspects entered the church and took personal items, including two cellphones, before abducting the pastor in his silver Toyota Fortuner. Police quickly located the abandoned vehicle but reported no further clues regarding Sullivan's whereabouts.
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department reiterated that the protection of American citizens overseas is a top priority and that they are closely monitoring the situation. Lt Col Avele Fumba of the Hawks confirmed that all available avenues are being explored to locate the pastor and apprehend the suspects.
The Sullivan family is receiving support during this distressing time, with communal sentiments expressed through social media. Sullivan is known for his efforts in church planting among Xhosa-speaking populations since relocating to the region. His mother expressed her heartbreak over her son’s kidnapping while officials work to resolve the case. Notably, South Africa has faced a drastic increase in kidnappings lately, raising concerns for both residents and expatriates.
