Authorities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province successfully rescued a kidnapped American pastor during a violent operation that took place on Tuesday in the neighborhood of KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as HAWKS, confirmed in a public statement that the operation led to the safe recovery of the hostage, who had been abducted by armed men days earlier.
The rescued individual is believed to be 34-year-old Josh Sullivan, a Tennessee native and full-time missionary pastor serving at Fellowship Baptist Church Motherwell. Sullivan had reportedly been kidnapped last week by several masked men while at his church. His abduction triggered a multi-agency investigation that culminated in the raid carried out this week.
Pastor/Missionary Josh Sullivan has been rescued after being held hostage in South Africa. In a high-risk raid, police found him alive. His captors were shot and killed.
Pray for the Sullivan family as they recover. #Rescued #GodIsFaithful #PrayForTheSullivans pic.twitter.com/SCZ5JeSV3k— Wade Lentz (@wadelentz) April 16, 2025
According to law enforcement officials, credible intelligence led authorities to a safe house in KwaMagxaki. Upon arrival, police were met with gunfire from suspects located in a vehicle on the property. Officers returned fire, resulting in what officials described as a “high-intensity shootout.” Three suspects were killed in the exchange. Their identities have not yet been released, and investigations are ongoing to determine their affiliations or possible motives.
Sullivan was discovered inside the vehicle where the shootout occurred. Police stated that he was “miraculously unharmed” and described his condition as “excellent” following the rescue. Authorities did not confirm whether Sullivan had been held at the location for the entirety of his captivity.
🚨NOW: PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN RESCUED FROM KIDNAPPERS IN SOUTH AFRICA‼️
🚩This is the house where the kidnapped US pastor was rescued in Gqeberha. Three suspects were shot dead.
The American missionary who was kidnapped at gunpoint by masked men during his church service in South… pic.twitter.com/npQovMjfMo
— Pastor Travis Johnson (@BasedPastorTrav) April 16, 2025
Early Wednesday morning, Tom Hatley, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee — Sullivan’s home church — confirmed the news of the rescue via a Facebook post. “Josh has been released. I just got ‘the go ahead to let it be known.’ SA media has started broadcasting. American media will follow. Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for The Sullivans. Praise The Lord Jesus Christ!” the post read.
Members of the church community and fellow missionaries have since shared more details about Sullivan’s background. He and his wife, accompanied by their two children, first traveled to South Africa in 2015 for a six-month internship as part of their missionary training. After that experience, the couple returned in 2018 to serve long-term, committing themselves to work among the Xhosa people.
According to missionary colleague Mark Coffey, Sullivan spent his initial two years in South Africa attending language school to become fluent in Xhosa, a skill that enabled him to preach and conduct his ministry work more effectively. Coffey described Sullivan as deeply committed to his mission and the people he serves.
Local and international authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the kidnapping and whether the individuals involved were part of a larger criminal network. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal statement on the incident, and it remains unclear whether U.S. officials were directly involved in the rescue operation.
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains details about kidnapping, violence, and a fatal police shootout.
US missionary Pastor Josh Sullivan, 34, has been dramatically rescued in South Africa after being kidnapped from his church during a sermon in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) last… pic.twitter.com/uiwpoDmnfN
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) April 16, 2025
Officials in South Africa have emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with international partners in addressing crimes involving foreign nationals, especially in regions where missionary and humanitarian personnel are active.
