American Pastor kidnapped by gunmen while preaching during Service
American Pastor kidnapped by gunmen while preaching during Service
Armed gunmen stormed a church near Gqeberha, South Africa, on Thursday night and abducted American missionary Pastor Josh Sullivan in front of his congregation, including his wife and six children.
The brazen abduction occurred at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a township on the outskirts of the coastal city formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
According to police and witnesses, four masked men entered the church mid-sermon, wielding firearms, and specifically targeted Sullivan.
“They came in knowing exactly who they were looking for,” said Reverend Jeremy Hall, a fellow pastor in the region.
“They called him by name, held him at gunpoint, and forced him into his own car before fleeing.”
South African police confirmed that the assailants also stole two mobile phones during the attack. Sullivan’s vehicle was later found abandoned less than two kilometers from the church.
Authorities suspect the motive is ransom-related, as high-profile kidnappings by organized criminal groups have surged across the country in recent years.
“This incident appears to be financially motivated,” Hall added, expressing deep concern for Sullivan’s safety.
Sullivan, 45, originally from Tennessee, has been living in South Africa with his family since November 2018, according to information on his personal website. He has been active in ministry work and community outreach in the region.
Police have yet to release details on demands or suspects, but an anti-gang unit has been deployed.
The same unit is also investigating another recent case involving the kidnapping of a Chinese national in Gqeberha earlier this week.
Kidnappings have reached alarming levels in South Africa, with police statistics revealing over 17,000 reported cases during the 2023/2024 financial year—an 11% spike compared to the previous year.
The trend is particularly troubling in cities like Gqeberha, where criminal syndicates are believed to be operating with increasing boldness.
