Ransom has been demanded for US pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha.
Key Points:
- Pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped during a church service in Gqeberha.
- The armed suspects fled with Sullivan in his vehicle.
- Police have activated a task team to locate Sullivan and apprehend the suspects.
A ransom demand has been issued for U.S. missionary pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha on the evening of April 10.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks, reported that Sullivan was abducted around 7 p.m. Four armed suspects confronted him during the service. The suspects forced him into his own vehicle, then fled the scene, taking him to an unknown location.
Details of the Abduction
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana, a spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Hawks, confirmed that Sullivan, believed to be the pastor of a local church in the Motherwell area of Gqeberha, was taken in his Toyota Fortuner. The police later recovered the vehicle in Motherwell, but they have not found Sullivan.
In addition to the vehicle, the suspects took two of Sullivan’s cellphones during the abduction. In response to the incident, authorities activated a multidisciplinary task team. The team includes various police specialized units. They are actively pursuing all leads to locate Sullivan and capture the suspects.
Police Response and Investigation
The Hawks confirmed that the suspects demanded a ransom, though they have not revealed the amount. They urged anyone with information to come forward. The Hawks assured that they would treat all information with the strictest confidentiality.
The kidnapping has gained international attention, with reports spreading worldwide. Authorities continue to investigate, focusing on recovering the victim and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
For now, the Hawks are working diligently to resolve the case and ensure Sullivan’s safe return.
