Overview

• Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old pastor from Tennessee, was abducted by four masked and armed men while delivering a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa.
• The abductors, who knew Sullivan by name, stole two cell phones before forcing him into his vehicle, which was later found abandoned nearby.
• Sullivan’s wife and six children were present during the abduction but were unharmed, and no ransom demand has been reported as of now.
• South African police have launched an active investigation, with their Anti-Gang Unit taking over the case and emphasizing organized crime concerns.
• The incident highlights a growing trend of kidnappings in South Africa, with over 17,000 cases reported in the 2023/2024 financial year, reflecting a sharp rise in ransom-related crimes.