SOARING KIDNAPPING RATES IN SOUTH AFRICA: TENNESSEE PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN ABDUCTED AT GUNPOINT

Amid a staggering surge in kidnappings across South Africa, Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old pastor and missionary from Tennessee, was abducted by armed, masked men in the Eastern Cape Province. The incident occurred on the evening of April 10, when the assailants stormed Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, seized cellphones from parishioners, and drove away with Sullivan in his own truck.

According to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) annual crime statistics, kidnappings have skyrocketed by 264% over the past decade, rising from 4,692 cases in 2014/15 to 17,061 in 2023/24. A December 2024 report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa highlights that most kidnappings are tied to aggravated robberies, including car hijackings and armed theft at businesses or private residences.

Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Hawks, confirmed to South African outlet IOL that the suspects demanded a ransom for Sullivan’s release. A multidisciplinary task force has been activated, comprising specialized police units, to locate the pastor and apprehend the perpetrators. The Hawks have urged the public to come forward with any information, assuring confidentiality.

Republican Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn expressed her concern in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “My prayers are with Pastor Sullivan’s family and those working tirelessly to rescue him from these vicious criminal gangs.” She confirmed that she has been in contact with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in South Africa to assist in the efforts.

Bobby McDonald, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, emphasized the risks faced by missionaries in regions with high gang activity. “Missionaries often walk into situations where there is heavily gang-related activity or the desire to harm individuals from other countries trying to make a difference,” he said. He also noted the disparity between affluent and underprivileged neighborhoods in South Africa, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Tom Hatley, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, recounted that Sullivan was taken during a prayer meeting. “It was something we all knew could happen there, but we always hoped and prayed it would not,” Hatley told Fox News. Sullivan’s family and church community remain hopeful for his safe return, describing him as a devoted husband, father, and servant of God.

In a live discussion posted by Fellowship Baptist Church four months ago, Sullivan and his wife, Meagan Sullivan, shared their experiences of being robbed in South Africa. They have spent six years in the country, planting a church in Motherwell in 2021. Sullivan noted that robbery is a common occurrence, while his wife explained that crime often stems from economic desperation rather than gang activity.

Tonya Morton Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, described him as a loving and compassionate individual with a heart for missions. “He’s an exceptional father, husband, and son, embodying kindness, strength, and generosity,” she said. Missionary Mark Coffey echoed these sentiments on Facebook, calling Sullivan a “kind, big-hearted, gentle giant” dedicated to sharing the Gospel with the Xhosa people.

As the search for Sullivan continues, the incident underscores the escalating kidnapping crisis in South Africa and the risks faced by those serving in vulnerable communities.

Sources:
[IOL](https://www.iol.co.za)
[Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa](https://issafrica.org)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)