An American pastor kidnapped by armed males in South Africa has been rescued – and was “miraculously unharmed” in a lethal shootout.
Josh Sullivan, who’s initially from Tennessee, was kidnapped by 4 males as he was delivering a sermon to a church congregation in Japanese Cape province final Thursday.
The gang stole two cell phones from worshippers, seized Mr Sullivan from the pulpit, and drove the pastor away utilizing his personal pick-up truck.
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Cops examine the scene the place Mr Sullivan was rescued. Pic: Reuters
Officers stated the Toyota Fortuner was discovered deserted just a few hours later, and a multi-agency taskforce launched an pressing investigation to seek out the 45-year-old.
By Tuesday night time, detectives suspected Mr Sullivan was being held at a home a few 20-minute drive away from the church the place he was taken.
A shootout started when suspects in a automotive parked exterior fired at officers – and three unidentified males had been killed.
“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack,” a police assertion added.
Lt Col Avele Fumba stated Mr Sullivan was “miraculously unharmed” and located to be in an “excellent condition” after being assessed by medics.
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The pastor was discovered at a home a few 20-minute drive from the place he was taken. Pic: Reuters
The missionary had been based mostly on the Motherwell department of the Fellowship Baptist church since 2018.
Mr Sullivan has a spouse and two kids – and has now been reunited together with his household.
Police information reveals the variety of kidnappings throughout South Africa has surged by 264% over the previous decade.
