Kidnapped Tennessee Pastor Rescued in South Africa, Three Captors Fatally Shot [WATCH]

A Tennessee pastor who had been kidnapped in South Africa was rescued during a law enforcement operation that ended with three suspects dead.

WSMV reported that South African authorities confirmed that Pastor Josh Sullivan of Maryville, Tennessee, was safely recovered after a multi-agency raid in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

PRAY American Pastor Josh Sullivan Kidnapped at Gunpoint, Thousands Rally in Prayer https://t.co/QXb1fGIsH7 pic.twitter.com/Ycw190fL6u

— CBN News (@CBNNews) April 14, 2025

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According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation was conducted by the priority crime investigation unit known as the “HAWKS.”

#sapsHAWKS [MEDIA STATEMENT] #Kidnapped American Pastor rescued in high-stakes Gqeberha shootout, 3 unidentified suspects fatally wounded. We extend sincere appreciation to all role players that includes our law enforcement members, the public, international partners, both local… https://t.co/GZxXNvfqGe pic.twitter.com/J6oxxHNS0e

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) April 16, 2025

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The team traced Sullivan to a safe house in the KwaMagxaki area of Gqeberha, where he was discovered being held in a vehicle.

When officers arrived on the scene, the suspects attempted to flee and opened fire on law enforcement. Police returned fire, killing three unidentified individuals. Pastor Sullivan was unharmed in the exchange and was placed in police protection.

BREAKING: American pastor kidnapped in South Africa rescued after deadly police shootout leaves three suspects dead https://t.co/btlgHYI5WJ

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Sullivan had been missing since April 10, when four masked and armed men reportedly entered Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township.

According to reports, Sullivan was delivering a sermon when the gunmen stormed the building, stole two cellphones from members of the congregation, and abducted him.

The suspects reportedly used a silver Toyota 4Runner to flee the scene. Authorities later recovered the vehicle abandoned in the Motherwell area.

Although details have not been released on any ransom negotiations, South African Police confirmed that the HAWKS became involved after a ransom was allegedly demanded.

NOW: PASTOR JOSH SULLIVAN RESCUED FROM KIDNAPPERS IN SOUTH AFRICA‼️

This is the house where the kidnapped US pastor was rescued in Gqeberha. Three suspects were shot dead.

The American missionary who was kidnapped at gunpoint by masked men during his church service in South… pic.twitter.com/npQovMjfMo

— Pastor Travis Johnson (@BasedPastorTrav) April 16, 2025

Under SAPS protocol, the HAWKS take control of a case once a ransom is requested, which may explain their lead role in the rescue operation.

The South African Police Service said the investigation into the kidnapping remains ongoing.

No additional details were released about the identities of the suspects or whether any arrests were made beyond the fatal confrontation. It remains unclear whether Sullivan knew any of his abductors or if the kidnapping was premeditated.

The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. It is not known at this time when Pastor Sullivan will return to the United States.

South African authorities said further updates on the investigation will be released as more information becomes available.

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