The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has praised the police for rescuing an American citizen and Pastor Josh Sullivan, who had been abducted in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
Sullivan was reportedly abducted during his sermon last Thursday in Motherwell and was freed on Tuesday, 15 April.
U.S. Embassy Thankful for Rescue of American Pastor Kidnapped in Gqeberha
As earlier stated, the US pastor was abducted during his sermon when six masked individuals, some carrying weapons, raided the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell around 7 p.m.
The SAPS spokesperson for the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba, stated that when officers arrived at the residence in KwaMagxaki, they noticed a car on the property. As soon as the alleged perpetrators spotted the police, they reportedly tried to escape and fired upon the unit.
"The officers reacted with tactical accuracy, resulting in an intense gunfight where three unknown assailants were killed," Fumba stated.
Amazingly, the 45-year-old pastor, who was discovered in the same car the alleged attackers used for their assault, remained unscathed. He has been examined by healthcare professionals and is now reported to be in very good condition.
The Embassy issued a short statement expressing deep gratitude to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for finding and freeing an abducted American citizen from the Eastern Cape on April 15th.
We applaud the prompt and well-coordinated response from the SAPS, spearheaded by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks). This operation involved close coordination with teams such as the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence division, Tactical Response Team, along with various partners. We express our gratitude for their collaborative efforts alongside the U.S. Mission.
"The U.S. Mission continues to be dedicated to ongoing cooperation with South African partners to ensure the safety and security of American citizens," stated the Embassy.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT SAVING THE AMERICAN PASTOR COULD IMPROVE TIES BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE UNITED STATES?
Feel free to share your thoughts by commenting below, or reach out via WhatsApp. 060 011 021 1 .
Subscribe Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us. WhatsApp , Facebook , X , and Bluesky for the latest news.