American missionary kidnapped in Gqeberha rescued, three suspects dead

A 34-year-old American missionary who was kidnapped in the Eastern Cape has been rescued in a dramatic operation, with three suspects killed in a shootout with police.

A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, rescued Josh Sullivan on Tuesday and reunited him with his family.

Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant General Avele Fumba said Sullivan was held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha.

Rescue

Fumba said various law enforcement officials acted on verified intelligence and moved swiftly to the identified location and rescued the American missionary.

“As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle on the premises. The suspects inside the vehicle, upon seeing law enforcement, allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team. The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded.

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition,” Fumba said.

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Privacy

Fumba said the operation demonstrates the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime.

“We extend sincere appreciation to all role players, including our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, and both local and international media, whose support and vigilance were instrumental in this success.

“As investigations continue, we respectfully request privacy for the victim and his family as they navigate this period of recovery,” Fumba said.

Appreciation

Fumba said the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational team for their courage, discipline and tactical excellence under fire.

“He also thanked senior government officials for their visible and personal support during this critical period, reaffirming that such united efforts send a strong message to those who threaten the safety and sovereignty of our nation.”

Kidnapping

Sullivan, originally from Tennessee, was reportedly abducted last week by four armed men who stormed a church in Motherwell, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The Fellowship Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee, confirmed the incident on its Facebook page.

The American missionary and his wife, Meagan, first came to South Africa in 2015 for a six-month internship as part of their Bible training.

Sullivan committed to two years of language school and became fluent in Xhosa to preach, disciple, and minister more effectively.

According to his mother, Tonya Rinker, that dedication led to the planting of Fellowship Baptist Church in the township of Motherwell.

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