Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old American pastor from Tennessee, was kidnapped last Thursday evening during a church service in Motherwell, a township in Gqeberha, South Africa. Sullivan, who has been serving in South Africa since 2018, was attending a prayer meeting at Fellowship Baptist Church when armed, masked men stormed the service, stole two phones, and forcibly abducted him at gunpoint.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), specifically the elite Hawks unit, launched a swift and coordinated rescue operation after receiving intelligence that Sullivan was being held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. On Tuesday, law enforcement officers approached the residence, where suspects inside a vehicle attempted to flee and opened fire on the police, leading to a high-intensity shootout. During the gunfight, three unidentified suspects were killed, and Sullivan was discovered inside the same vehicle, miraculously unharmed.

Following the rescue, Sullivan was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is reported to be in excellent condition. His family and the Fellowship Baptist Church have expressed relief and gratitude, with Sullivan's pastor, Tom Hatley, confirming his safe release via social media.

The incident highlights a troubling rise in kidnappings in South Africa, which has seen a 264% increase over the past decade, often motivated by ransom demands. The authorities continue to investigate the case, and one suspect remains at large.

This dramatic rescue underscores the effectiveness of South Africa's specialized police units in handling high-stakes hostage situations and brings relief to Sullivan's family, who had been anxiously awaiting news of his safety.