American Pastor Rescued After Deadly Kidnapping in South Africa

American pastor and missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued unharmed by South African police after being kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, near Gqeberha. Authorities located Sullivan in a safe house in KwaMagxaki following a coordinated operation based on verified intelligence, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three suspects were killed. Sullivan had been abducted in front of his family and congregation, with reports indicating the kidnappers demanded a ransom, though none was paid. The abduction appeared targeted, as the assailants knew Sullivan's name and similar threats had previously been made against his church. Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, has lived in South Africa since 2018 as a missionary focused on serving the Xhosa-speaking community. His safe return has been met with relief and praise from his family, church, and supporters.