Pastor Josh Sullivan Rescued After Kidnapping in South Africa

Josh Sullivan, a Tennessee pastor and missionary based in South Africa since 2018, was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, last week. After a multi-agency investigation, South African police located Sullivan at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, where a shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of three suspects. Sullivan was found unharmed in a vehicle used by his captors and was assessed to be in excellent condition. The abduction followed a ransom demand and highlights a rising trend in kidnappings in South Africa, which have increased by 264% over the past decade. Authorities believe the kidnappers may have been familiar with Sullivan's movements, but provided no further immediate details. Since his release, Sullivan has been reunited with his family and is reported to be in good spirits.