Brade
The kidnapping of Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old pastor and missionary from Tennessee, has highlighted the alarming rise in kidnappings in South Africa over the past decade. Sullivan, who serves at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Eastern Cape Province, was abducted on the evening of April 10 by several armed, masked men who stormed his church, confiscated parishioners’ cellphones, and fled in his own truck.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) annual crime statistics, kidnappings have surged by 264% in the last ten years, escalating from 4,692 cases in 2014/15 to 17,061 in 2023/24. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa reported in December 2024 that most kidnappings during the 2023-2024 period occurred during aggravated robberies, including car hijackings and armed robberies in businesses, homes, and public spaces.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Hawks, confirmed that the suspects demanded a ransom for Sullivan’s release. A multidisciplinary task team comprising specialized police units has been activated to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators. The Hawks have urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring confidentiality.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee expressed her concern, stating, “My prayers are with Pastor Sullivan’s family and those working tirelessly to rescue him from these vicious criminal gangs.” She confirmed that the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in South Africa are actively assisting in the case.
Bobby McDonald, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, noted that missionaries often find themselves in high-risk areas. “South Africa’s socio-economic disparities create environments where crime thrives,” he said. “Missionaries, despite their noble intentions, can become targets.”
Tom Hatley, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, recounted the harrowing incident, stating that Sullivan was taken at gunpoint during a prayer meeting. “We always knew this could happen, but we hoped and prayed it wouldn’t,” he said. Despite the ordeal, Hatley described Sullivan as “cool and calm,” handling the situation with resilience.
In a live discussion posted by Fellowship Baptist Church four months ago, Sullivan and his wife, Meagan, shared their experiences of being robbed in South Africa. “Robbing is a very common occurrence,” Sullivan said. His wife added, “Many locals are just trying to survive, and crime often stems from desperation.”
Tonya Morton Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, described her son as a compassionate and selfless individual. “He’s an exceptional father, husband, and son, devoted to serving God in South Africa,” she said. Missionary Mark Coffey echoed these sentiments, calling Sullivan a “kind, big-hearted, gentle giant” with a deep passion for ministry.
The Sullivans, who first arrived in South Africa in 2015, have dedicated their lives to church planting and serving the Xhosa community. They have also taken in two Xhosa children, further embedding themselves in the local community.
As authorities continue their search, the global community remains hopeful for Sullivan’s safe return. The incident underscores the urgent need for addressing South Africa’s escalating crime rates and ensuring the safety of those working to make a difference.
**Sources:**
[Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa](https://issafrica.org)
[South African Police Service (SAPS)](https://www.saps.gov.za)
[IOL News](https://www.iol.co.za)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
