Gqeberha – A 45-year-old US missionary pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha on April 10, has been rescued unharmed in a high-stakes operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, the pastor had reportedly been kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, since Monday, 15 April.
The rescue unfolded after law enforcement acted on verified intelligence. A multi-disciplinary team comprising members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team, and other law enforcement partners descended on the identified location.
“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. The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded.
#sapsHAWKS [MEDIA STATEMENT] #Kidnapped American Pastor rescued in high-stakes Gqeberha shootout, 3 unidentified suspects fatally wounded. We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that includes our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local… https://t.co/GZxXNvfqGe pic.twitter.com/J6oxxHNS0e
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 16, 2025
“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition,” Fumba said.
He said that “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.”
The Hawks have appealed to the public for any additional information that could aid the ongoing investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the courage and discipline of the operational team and extended gratitude to senior government officials and international partners for their visible support.
Authorities have requested privacy for the victim and his family as they recover from the ordeal.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
