Kidnapping of US Pastor Josh Sullivan Raises Concerns in South Africa

American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in South Africa. Armed men stormed the church, stealing phones and fleeing in his vehicle. Authorities, including the US State Department and elite police units, are involved in the investigation as the number of kidnappings rises significantly in the country.

In a shocking incident, American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by armed assailants during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Gqeberra, South Africa. The attack occurred on Thursday evening when four masked men entered the church, stealing two phones before fleeing in the pastor’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Although police recovered the vehicle abandoned, there remains no sign of Mr. Sullivan.

The US State Department has acknowledged the kidnapping, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding American citizens abroad. Captain Andre Beetge disclosed that the case has been transferred to South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, which specializes in tackling organized crime and high-level corruption. Lt. Col. Avele Fumba from the Hawks indicated that the police are pursuing all possible leads to locate Mr. Sullivan and apprehend those responsible.

Jeremy Hall, the spokesperson for the Sullivan family, reported that he was present at the church with his family during the kidnapping and mentioned that the assailants were familiar with Mr. Sullivan. His mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, stating that the local congressman and the American embassy are actively involved in the situation. It was reported by News24 that no ransom demands have been made as of yet.

Pastor Sullivan has identified himself as a church planting missionary on his website, having relocated to South Africa with his family in 2018 to serve the Xhosa-speaking community. Alarmingly, police statistics indicate a 264% increase in kidnappings in South Africa over the past decade, with a recent case involving a Chinese national also occurring in Gqeberra shortly before this incident.

In summary, the kidnapping of Pastor Josh Sullivan during a church service in South Africa highlights growing safety concerns, as highlighted by a 264% rise in kidnappings over the past decade in the country. Authorities, including the US State Department and South Africa’s elite Hawks unit, are engaged in efforts to locate him and ensure his safe return. This incident has resonated deeply with his family and the local community, bringing attention to the broader issue of security in South Africa.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk