U.S. pastor Josh Sullivan kidnapped at gunpoint during sermon in South Africa
Pastor Josh Sullivan, a U.S. missionary in South Africa, was abducted during a sermon in Motherwell. Police suspect a ransom-related motive as kidnappings surge in South Africa.
In a chilling turn of events, U.S. missionary Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped while delivering a sermon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, South Africa, on Thursday evening.
Four armed and masked men entered the church during the service and took the 45-year-old pastor at gunpoint, allegedly for ransom. Sullivan’s abduction has sparked widespread concern, as South Africa grapples with an increasing number of kidnappings for financial gain.
Kidnappers target U.S. pastor for ransom
The kidnappers, knew him by name and took him away from the church while he was leading a prayer service. They abandoned the vehicle in which they were transporting Sullivan about a mile away from the church and although there has not been an official confirmation regarding a ransom, law enforcement officers suspect that's the motive behind the crime.
Authorities are currently investigating the case.
Growing kidnapping crisis in South Africa
Just days before, a Chinese national was kidnapped in the same city, highlighting South Africa's increasing number of abductions. Over 17,000 people were kidnapped in the 2023-2024 financial year, marking an 11% increase over the previous year.
South Africa's statistics show that 33 people are killed daily, which increases the dangerous environment in which these abductions occur.