An American pastor abducted during a live church service in South Africa has been rescued following a deadly police shootout that left three suspects dead.
Josh Sullivan, 45, was taken at gunpoint while preaching on April 10 in the township of Motherwell, Eastern Cape. His wife and children were present during the harrowing incident, which unfolded in front of the congregation.
After days of intensive investigation, South African authorities located Sullivan in a vehicle during a tactical operation on April 15 in KwaMagxaki, near the city of Gqeberha. A gun battle erupted between police and the suspects, resulting in multiple fatalities. Sullivan was recovered safely and is now reunited with his family.
Officials confirmed that the operation was conducted with precision to ensure the pastor’s safety, and no law enforcement personnel were injured during the rescue.
The case has sparked renewed attention on violent crime and kidnapping risks in the region, especially involving foreign nationals. An investigation into the motive behind the abduction remains ongoing.