Gqeberha – An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, who was abducted by gun-wielding robbers during a church service in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, last week, has been rescued in a daring police operation. The rescue occurred on Tuesday night in KwaMagxaki, just north of Gqeberha, and resulted in a high-intensity shootout with law enforcement that left three suspects dead.
Sullivan, 45, was kidnapped last week while preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell. Four armed men, wearing masks, burst into the church in NU10 – an area in Motherwell – during the sermon and began robbing people before taking Sullivan. His wife, Meagan Witt Sullivan, and their young children were present but thankfully unharmed during the ordeal.
The kidnappers subsequently stole Sullivan’s Toyota Fortuner and three cellphones. The vehicle was later recovered by investigators in Motherwell. By Monday, it was confirmed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of an undisclosed amount for his safe return. This prompted the intervention of South Africa’s elite police unit, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Acting on verified intelligence, a coordinated team of Hawks and SAPS officers tracked the suspects down to a house in the township of KwaMagxaki. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba detailed the events that unfolded: “As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises. The suspects inside the vehicle, upon seeing law enforcement, allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team.”
Fumba explained that the officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout. “The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded,” he stated.
Miraculously, Sullivan was found inside the vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack, unharmed. He was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is reported to be in excellent condition.
In a statement, Fumba commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved. “This operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime,” he said. “The Hawks commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers and support personnel involved in securing the victim’s safe return.”
Fumba also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders for their support. “We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that includes our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local and international media whose support and vigilance were instrumental in this success,” he added.
As investigations continue, the Hawks have respectfully requested privacy for Sullivan and his family as they navigate this period of recovery.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, commended the operational team for their courage, discipline, and tactical excellence under fire. He also thanked senior government officials for their visible and personal support during this critical period, reaffirming that such united efforts send a strong message to those who threaten the safety and sovereignty of our nation.
News of Sullivan’s abduction and subsequent rescue has prompted impassioned pleas for his family's privacy. Jeremy Hall, the Sullivan family’s spokesman, told local newspaper TimesLIVE that he was at the church with his wife and their children when he was kidnapped, adding, “They knew his name.”
Sullivan describes himself as “a church planting missionary” on his personal website. He moved to South Africa with his wife and children in November 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking people.
This incident highlights the concerning rise in kidnappings in South Africa. According to police statistics, there has been a 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade. The successful rescue of Josh Sullivan underscores the importance of effective law enforcement and inter-agency cooperation in combating this growing threat.
While the Sullivan family has been through a harrowing experience, the swift action of the Hawks and SAPS has brought a positive resolution to this case. The community hopes that this incident will serve as a deterrent to future criminal activity and that the Sullivan family can find peace and healing in the aftermath of this traumatic event.
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