US Pastor Rescued in South Africa Following Intense Gunfight

Sat Jun 13 2026 12:27:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

American missionary Josh Sullivan was rescued unharmed after being kidnapped during a church service in South Africa, in a dramatic operation that resulted in three fatalities.

In Gqeberha, South Africa, American pastor Josh Sullivan was found safe following an intense police rescue operation that resulted in the deaths of three suspects. Sullivan had been abducted last Thursday during a church service and held for ransom. The Hawks, South Africa’s elite police unit, acted on verified intelligence to locate the pastor. As they approached the suspects' hideout, a shootout erupted when the kidnappers tried to escape. The incident highlights the troubling rise of kidnappings for ransom in South Africa, a crisis that has escalated significantly over the past decade. Sullivan, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to establish a church with his family, was described by friends and family as well-loved, and his safe return has been met with relief from the community.

Despite a rising trend in kidnappings across South Africa, the successful rescue operation has provided a glimmer of hope amid growing insecurity. Sullivan’s family, who had publicly appealed for his safe return, can now breathe easier knowing he survived this harrowing ordeal.

Police spokesperson Avele Fumba confirmed the details of the operation, emphasizing the tactical response of the officers involved. "Our officers responded with precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded," he stated. Sullivan's family, deeply affected throughout his abduction, expressed immense gratitude for his safe return after the traumatic experience.