Johannesburg: South African authorities have successfully rescued an American pastor who was abducted during a prayer service, following a deadly shootout that left three suspects dead.
Josh Sullivan, 45, was kidnapped by armed assailants last week while conducting a prayer session at his church in Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape Province. His rescue occurred in the same city on Tuesday, according to a statement released by South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks.
Law enforcement officers engaged in what they described as “a high-intensity shootout” with the suspects at the location where Sullivan was being held. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
“The victim 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,” police stated.
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Sullivan’s safe recovery was hailed by local authorities, who emphasized the bravery and precision of the operation.
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South Africa continues to grapple with rampant crime, driven by widespread poverty and social inequality. The prevalence of armed gangs and the easy availability of illegal firearms have led to a surge in kidnappings for ransom, posing an ongoing challenge for law enforcement.
