Tennessee Pastor Kidnapped at Gunpoint During Church Service in South Africa
Josh Sullivan, a Tennessee missionary, was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa. The incident resulted in the theft of personal belongings and his vehicle. The Hawks unit of the South African Police Service is now handling the case. His family expressed concern, while the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its dedication to citizen safety abroad. Kidnappings in South Africa have surged significantly over the past decade.
A United States missionary from Tennessee, identified as Josh Sullivan, was reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint on Thursday during a church service in Motherwell, South Africa. Sullivan was preaching to a small congregation, which included his wife and six children, when the armed assailants struck. Multiple news outlets have reported on this alarming incident, highlighting the vulnerable situation of expatriates in the region.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) disclosed that the kidnappers fled the scene after stealing two mobile phones and abducting Sullivan in his silver Toyota Fortuner. Authorities later discovered the vehicle abandoned but found no trace of the pastor. The case has been escalated to the Hawks, a specialist police unit that handles serious organized crime investigations.
Sullivan and his family have been in South Africa since November 2018, focusing on language studies and church planting for the Xhosa-speaking population. His mother, Tonay Rinker, confirmed the abduction to ABC News, expressing her deep concern. “As a mother, you never think about something like this happening to your child but faith carries you through the uncertainty,” Rinker stated.
The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged the kidnapping, emphasizing a commitment to the safety and security of American citizens abroad. This incident sheds light on a concerning trend, as statistics reveal that kidnappings in South Africa have surged by 264% over the past decade, raising alarms over public safety and security issues.
In conclusion, the reported kidnapping of Josh Sullivan highlights the vulnerability of expatriates in South Africa amidst a troubling rise in abductions. The swift response by local law enforcement and acknowledgment from the U.S. government underscores the priority placed on the safety of American citizens abroad. The growing trend of kidnappings in South Africa further accentuates the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals in the region.
Original Source: wtov9.com
