American Pastor Josh Sullivan Rescued After Shoot-Out With Kidnappers

An American missionary, Pastor Josh Sullivan, was successfully rescued in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, following a dramatic shoot-out between police and his kidnappers.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that three suspects were fatally shot during the operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Sunday in KwaMagxaki.

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According to Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Avele Fumba, officers were acting on verified intelligence that led them to a property where Sullivan was believed to be held.

Upon arrival, police encountered a vehicle at the premises.

When officers approached, the suspects inside attempted to flee and opened fire, prompting a shoot-out.

Pastor Found Unharmed Inside Getaway Vehicle

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle,” said Fumba. “Miraculously unharmed, he was assessed by medical personnel and is in excellent condition.”

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Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service last Thursday evening when six masked men stormed the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell.

Witnesses reported that the suspects pistol-whipped Sullivan and dragged him to his own vehicle before speeding off.

Sullivan, along with his wife Meagan, has served as a full-time missionary in South Africa since 2018.

Their journey began in 2015 during a six-month internship for Bible training, which inspired their long-term commitment to ministry in the country.

Elite Police Units Involved In Rescue Operation

The rescue was the result of a coordinated multi-agency effort involving the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, the Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, and other law enforcement partners.

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Lt-Col Fumba praised the officers for their “tactical precision” during the dangerous confrontation. “This demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime,” he added.

Provincial Hawks head Maj-Gen Mboiki Obed Ngwenya also commended the operational team for their bravery and discipline under fire. Authorities have requested privacy for Sullivan and his family as investigations continue.

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