Pastor Abducted in South Africa Rescued After Police Shootout

In a remarkable rescue operation, American pastor Josh Sullivan was saved from his kidnappers in South Africa after a shootout resulted in the death of three suspects.

In an intense rescue mission, South African police successfully freed Josh Sullivan, a pastor from Tennessee, who had been kidnapped during a sermon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell. The incident took place last Thursday when four masked men abducted Sullivan and transported him to a concealed safe house in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.

Authorities quickly developed leads about the pastor's whereabouts, prompting them to target the safe house based on gathered intelligence, as clarified by Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement encountered a suspicious vehicle with men inside.

“Upon seeing the police approaching, we believe that they panicked and opened fire,” Lt. Col. Fumba reported, describing the ensuing gun battle as “high-intensity.” Unfortunately, three of the suspects lost their lives during the confrontation, though their identities remain undisclosed.

Fortunately, inside the vehicle, officers found Josh Sullivan unharmed; he was described as being in “excellent condition.” Following his rescue, Sullivan was able to reunite with his family, a moment undoubtedly filled with relief and jubilation for those who feared for his safety.