Cape Town – The United States Mission to South Africa has thanked the South African Police Service (SAPS) for rescuing American pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped during a church service in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, on April 10.
The US Embassy praised the swift response of the SAPS, especially the collaboration between the Hawks, Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Anti-Gang Unit, and other agencies.
“We commend the swift, coordinated SAPS response, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), in collaboration with the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, and other partners,” the US Embassy in South Africa said in a statement.
Sullivan was abducted by four armed men who stole cellphones and forced him into his vehicle, which was later found abandoned.
After five days, Sullivan was rescued in Gqeberha on April 15 following an intelligence-driven operation. During the operation, suspects opened fire on officers, leading to the deaths of three suspects.
#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
Sullivan’s mother expressed her gratitude on social media, while missionaries Mark and Amy Coffey shared their joy and praised God for the pastor’s safe return.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, 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.
“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.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
