An American pastor Josh Sullivan has been rescued after he was allegedly kidnapped during a service in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
The 45-year-old American citizen was rescued on Tuesday, 15 April.
AMERICAN PASTOR KIDNAPPED IN GQEBERHA RESCUED
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the operation followed verified intelligence wherein a coordinated team consisting of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team and other key law enforcement partners moved swiftly to the identified location.
SAPS spokesperson in the Eastern Cape Lieutenant-Colonel Avele Fumba said as officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises in KwaMagxaki. Upon seeing law enforcement, the suspects inside the vehicle allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team.
“The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded,” Fumba said.
Miraculously, the 45-year-old pastor, who was found in the same vehicle the suspects allegedly launched their attack in, was unharmed. He was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.
“This operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime. The Hawks commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers and support personnel involved in securing the victim’s safe return.
“We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that include our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local and international media whose support and vigilance were instrumental in this success,” Fumba added.
Police have requested privacy for the victim and his family as they navigate this period of recovery.
Anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS App.
TimesLIVE reported that the American pastor was kidnapped mid-sermon when six masked men, some of them armed, stormed into the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell just after 19:00 last Thursday.
The publication further reported that the suspects pistol-whipped the 45-year-old and dragged him out to his vehicle outside.
HAWKS HEAD HAILS MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Hawks head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational team for their courage, discipline and tactical excellence under fire.
Ngwenya 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 threatening the nation’s safety and sovereignty.
DO YOU THINK THE AMERICAN PASTOR’S KIDNAPPING WAS JUST ANOTHER RANDOM CRIME IN SA OR WAS HE TARGETED?
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