American pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa. The suspects fled in his vehicle after stealing two phones. The case is being investigated by South Africa’s elite Hawks unit, with US authorities aware of the incident. A significant increase in kidnappings in South Africa over the last decade raises concerns.
An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The event occurred on Thursday evening when four armed and masked men entered the church, seized two mobile phones, and fled using Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner. Local police recovered the abandoned vehicle but have not found Sullivan himself.
Authorities including a spokesperson from the US State Department acknowledged the abduction, emphasizing the importance of safety for US citizens abroad. Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that the investigation was now managed by South Africa’s elite unit, known as the Hawks, focusing on serious organized crimes and high-level corruption to locate Sullivan and apprehend the suspects.
Jeremy Hall, representing Sullivan’s family, shared that Sullivan was at church with his family when the incident occurred, and mentioned that the assailants appeared to know Sullivan personally. Additionally, Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, expressed her sorrow on social media, stating that efforts were underway by the local congressman and US embassy to find him. No ransom has been demanded, as reported by News24.
Sullivan, describing himself as a church planting missionary, moved to South Africa with his family in 2018 to establish a church catering to Xhosa-speaking communities. Over the last decade, statistics indicate a staggering 264% increase in kidnappings within South Africa, highlighting a growing safety concern in the region.
Josh Sullivan’s kidnapping during a church service in South Africa highlights significant safety concerns amid rising crime rates in the region. The response from local authorities and the US State Department underscores the urgency of the investigation. The family is actively seeking support as they navigate this distressing situation, with no ransom demand currently reported. Regional statistics show a dramatic rise in such incidents, emphasizing the increasing need for heightened security measures.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
