Gunmen in South Africa have abducted a U.S. missionary while he was delivering a sermon at a church in the coastal city of Gqeberha. The incident has sparked alarm over the rising wave of kidnappings in the country, which are often financially motivated.
Pastor Josh Sullivan, 45, was kidnapped late Thursday evening from the Fellowship Baptist Church in the Motherwell area, located outside Gqeberha, a city situated on the southeastern coast of the country. The attack took place while Sullivan was holding a prayer meeting with about 30 people, including his wife and six children.
According to a statement from the South African police, the incident occurred when four armed and masked men entered the church during the sermon. They robbed two people of their cell phones and then forcibly abducted the pastor, taking him away in his car. The vehicle was later found abandoned about 1.5 kilometers from the church.
Reverend Jeremy Hall, a fellow pastor based in the southeastern city, shared details of the incident with AFP. He explained that the kidnappers seemed to know Sullivan by name, adding that the kidnapping was likely financially motivated. “They took him at gunpoint, forced him into his car, and drove off. This looks like another case of a kidnapping for ransom,” he said.
The police have launched an investigation into the kidnapping, though there has been no information yet on whether any ransom demand has been made. South Africa has seen a sharp rise in kidnapping cases, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting individuals who can bring in large sums of money through ransom payments.
Pastor Sullivan, originally from Tennessee in the United States, arrived in South Africa in November 2018 with his family. He has since been working as a missionary and contributing to the local community. The family had been living in South Africa for nearly seven years before the tragic event unfolded.
The attack on Pastor Sullivan has raised concerns over the growing security issues in South Africa, particularly for foreign nationals. Kidnappings for ransom have become a disturbing trend in recent years, and the authorities have struggled to stem the tide of such crimes. This latest incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of increasing violence targeting both locals and expatriates.
The police report highlights that there were more than 17,000 kidnappings in South Africa during the 2023-2024 financial year, representing an 11-percent increase compared to the previous year. Many of these kidnappings are believed to be the work of criminal syndicates who target individuals they believe are wealthy or have access to financial resources.
The rise in kidnappings has been exacerbated by the economic challenges facing the country. With high unemployment rates and widespread poverty, criminal gangs often resort to kidnapping as a means of generating income. In some cases, they demand ransoms from the victims’ families or employers, while others simply sell the victims into forced labor or human trafficking.
Pastor Sullivan’s kidnapping is particularly troubling due to the timing and setting. He was abducted while performing his religious duties, a reminder of how no public space is immune from the threat of violence. The attack on a man of faith in front of his family and congregation has drawn strong reactions from local and international communities alike.
While Sullivan’s abduction is one of the more high-profile cases, it is far from an isolated incident. On Tuesday, just days before Sullivan’s kidnapping, a Chinese national was abducted in the city of Gqeberha. The Chinese national was also targeted by criminal gangs that have been operating in the region.
The surge in kidnappings, particularly in the Eastern Cape region, has raised questions about the ability of the South African government to protect its citizens and foreigners. Authorities have expressed concern over the failure to curb the rise in violence, despite efforts to combat criminal gangs and improve policing.
The impact of these kidnappings extends beyond the immediate victims. The trauma experienced by families and communities is immense, and the fear of being targeted has begun to affect daily life. For those living in the region, the threat of abduction looms large, especially for those involved in businesses or work that may make them appear wealthy or influential.
Pastor Sullivan’s colleagues have expressed their deep concern for his safety and well-being. In an emotional appeal, Reverend Hall urged the public to remain vigilant and support the family as they await updates on Sullivan’s whereabouts. “We are all praying for his safe return,” Hall said. “It’s a terrifying experience for his wife and children, and we are hoping for a peaceful resolution.”
As the police continue their investigation into the case, the community in Gqeberha and beyond has rallied around the Sullivan family, offering their prayers and support. The abduction has cast a dark shadow over what was supposed to be a time of worship and unity at the Fellowship Baptist Church.
In the wider context of South Africa, the abduction of Pastor Sullivan underscores the ongoing security challenges in the country. The increase in violent crime, particularly kidnappings, highlights the need for stronger law enforcement and greater public awareness of these dangers. As the country grapples with these issues, both local and international communities will continue to watch closely, hoping for an end to this cycle of violence and abductions.
In response to the growing concern over kidnappings, various advocacy groups have called for urgent action from both the South African government and international partners to address the root causes of the crime wave. These organizations emphasize the need for improved police training, better community engagement, and stronger support for victims of crime.
The fate of Pastor Josh Sullivan remains uncertain as his abduction continues to make headlines around the world. While the situation is still developing, the hope is that the authorities will act swiftly to bring an end to the ordeal and ensure the safety of the pastor and others who may be at risk.
As the investigation unfolds, the international community is urged to remain vigilant and offer support to those working to end the cycle of violence and insecurity that has plagued South Africa for far too long.
