Authorities said that South African police rescued an American pastor who was kidnapped “miraculously” unharmed after a deadly shooting.
Josh Sullivan (45) was seized last week by armed men as he conducted a prayer at his church in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province. In a press release, South Africa’s elite police unit Hawks confirmed that he was rescued on Tuesday in the same town.
Police said that three suspects were shot and killed in a “high-intensity” shootout as officers approached a car at a location near where Sullivan was being held.
The victim was discovered inside the vehicle that the suspects used to launch their attack. He was miraculously unharmed and immediately assessed by medical staff. His condition is excellent.
South Africa’s high levels of poverty, inequality, and criminal gangs have made it fertile soil for crime. Illegal weapons and a proliferation of criminal gangs are fueling an increase in kidnappings.
