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U.S. Pastor Rescued in South Africa After Deadly Shootout

Josh Sullivan, abducted during a sermon in Motherwell Township, was freed unharmed in a high-intensity operation that left three suspects dead.

Josh Sullivan, who describes himself as “a church planting missionary,” arrived in South Africa in 2018.
Josh Sullivan was rescued after “verified intelligence wherein a coordinated team moved swiftly to the identified location,” Hawks said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
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Overview

  • Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old American missionary, was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service on April 10 in Motherwell Township, South Africa.
  • He was rescued on April 15 by a multi-agency South African police team, including the Hawks, after verified intelligence led them to a safe house in Gqeberha.
  • A shootout ensued when suspects in a vehicle attempted to flee and opened fire on law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of three abductors.
  • Sullivan was found unharmed in the suspects' vehicle and was assessed to be in excellent medical condition following his rescue.
  • The incident highlights a 264% rise in kidnappings in South Africa over the past decade, with ongoing investigations into the identities of other suspects involved.