An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped right in the middle of a church service in South Africa. This shocking incident has raised serious concerns about safety and security in the region. Get the full story here, including the latest updates and what authorities are doing to find him!
- Who: Pastor Josh Sullivan, an American missionary.
- What: Kidnapped during a church service.
- Where: Motherwell, a township in Gqeberha, South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
- When: Thursday evening.
- Why: The motive is still unclear, but authorities are investigating all possibilities.
Chaos in the Church: How It Happened
Imagine this: Pastor Josh Sullivan, 45, is leading a service at Fellowship Baptist Church when suddenly, four masked gunmen barge in. According to police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, these guys weren’t messing around. They snatched two cell phones and then sped off in Sullivan’s silver Toyota Fortuner, taking the pastor with them. Talk about a terrifying experience!
The Hunt Is On: What the Cops Are Saying
Captain Beetge mentioned that the stolen vehicle was later found abandoned. But, more importantly, the case has been escalated to the Hawks, South Africa’s top-notch investigative unit. These are the guys you call when you’re dealing with serious, organized crime. Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the Hawks’ spokesperson, assures everyone that they’re “following all possible leads” to bring Sullivan home and catch the culprits.
Family in Fear: Targeted Attack?
The US State Department has stepped in, emphasizing the safety of American citizens abroad. Sullivan’s family was actually there during the attack. Jeremy Hall, a family spokesman, told TimesLive that it looks like Sullivan was the specific target. “They knew his name,” Hall said, suggesting this wasn’t a random act. Sullivan’s mother, Tonya Morton Rinker, posted on Facebook about her heartbreak. She is collaborating with their congressman and the US embassy.
No Word on Ransom: What’s the Motive?
As reported by News24, there hasn’t been any ransom demand. This leaves everyone wondering: what’s the real reason behind the kidnapping? Sullivan, a “church planting missionary,” moved to South Africa with his family in 2018 to minister to the Xhosa-speaking community. Could this be related to his work, or is there something else at play?
Kidnapping Crisis: A Growing Problem in South Africa
Sadly, Sullivan’s abduction highlights a disturbing trend. Kidnappings in South Africa have skyrocketed over the past decade, increasing by a whopping 264%, based on police stats. Just days before this incident, a Chinese national was also kidnapped in Gqeberha. This shows things are getting out of hand, and people are really worried.
What’s Next?
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working around the clock. The focus is on finding Pastor Sullivan and ensuring the safety of everyone in the community. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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