American missionary and pastor, Josh Sullivan, has been rescued after being kidnapped in South Africa.
Sullivan, from Tennessee, was taken by armed men while leading a prayer service in the Eastern Cape Province.
According to the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), three suspects involved in the kidnapping were left deceased after a “high-intensity shootout” during the rescue operation.
“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” authorities said. “Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.”
Upon hearing of Sullivan’s release from South Africa, Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, wrote on Facebook, “Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known’. SA media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!”
A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Fox News ahead of Sullivan’s rescue that the department’s Diplomatic Security Service was involved in the operation.
“A multi-law-enforcement agency team, including [the] State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, has formed on the ground and is actively pursuing the case and supporting the family members involved with embassy and consulate colleagues,” the spokesperson said, adding, “The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad.”
Sullivan’s abduction came amid a rise in kidnappings across South Africa, with over 17,000 reported cases in the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
