AN American pastor kidnapped in South Africa was rescued yesterday during a high-stakes operation that left three suspected kidnappers dead, according to South African authorities.
Josh Sullivan, the 45-year-old American citizen, was found unharmed after a shootout between law enforcement and kidnappers at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.
“The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded,” said Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape.
The rescue operation was conducted by a multi-agency team led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, following verified intelligence about the victim’s location. The team included members from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, and Tactical Response Team.
According to officials, the suspects opened fire when they spotted approaching law enforcement officers. The American pastor was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack.
“Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition,” the Hawks stated in their official release.
The kidnapping occurred on April 15, with authorities responding within 24 hours.
“This operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime,” a Hawks spokesperson said.
Authorities have requested privacy for the victim and his family during their recovery period. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials asking anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS App.
