KEY POINTS
- The US Embassy issued appreciation toward SAPS members who saved an American pastor from abduction.
- Abduction took place while Sullivan attended church service at Motherwell.
- The family members of Sullivan expressed great thankfulness because he safely returned home.
Representatives from the United States Mission to South Africa thank the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their successful recovery of American pastor Josh Sullivan after his Motherwell church service kidnapping in Eastern Cape.
US embassy commends SAPS for their swift response
SAPS received praise from the US embassy for their coordinated actions led by the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) that involved combined work of the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Intelligence. The embassy declared support for this collaborative partnership while continually maintaining security measures for American citizens.
Kidnapping details
On April 10, 2025 during evening prayer at the Cape Sullivan fell victim to abduction through armed instructions into his vehicle. Authorities rescued him after five days of captivity at a house located in Gqeberha. Officials executing the rescue performed deadly force against three attackers when they started shooting at police.
Family’s gratitude and faith
US embassy commends SAPS and following this act, Sullivan’s family released their feelings of immense relief as well as gratitude after his return. His mother used Facebook to announce his safe recovery while missionaries Mark and Amy Coffey showed both spiritual and personal joy about the rescue.
