Adrian
The abduction of Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old pastor and missionary from Tennessee, has shed light on South Africa’s escalating kidnapping crisis. Sullivan, affiliated with Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, was forcibly taken by armed, masked assailants on the evening of April 10 during a prayer meeting at his church in the Eastern Cape Province. The perpetrators confiscated cellphones from parishioners and fled with Sullivan in his own vehicle.
According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa, kidnappings in South Africa have surged by 264% over the past decade, rising from 4,692 cases in 2014/15 to 17,061 in 2023/24. The latest quarterly crime statistics, released on November 25, 2024, confirm this troubling upward trend. The ISS Africa report highlights that most kidnappings occur during aggravated robberies, including car hijackings and armed thefts in public spaces, businesses, and homes.
Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Hawks, disclosed that the suspects demanded a ransom for Sullivan’s release. In response, a multidisciplinary task force comprising specialized police units has been mobilized to investigate the case and apprehend the culprits. The Hawks have urged the public to come forward with any information, assuring confidentiality.
Less than 5% of kidnappings in South Africa involve ransom demands, according to ISS Africa. However, Sullivan’s case underscores the risks faced by foreign missionaries in regions plagued by crime. Bobby McDonald, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, emphasized the dangers missionaries often encounter in areas with high gang activity. “South Africa’s socioeconomic disparities make it a volatile environment,” he noted.
Tom Hatley, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, recounted the harrowing incident, stating Sullivan was targeted during a prayer meeting. “We hoped for his immediate release, but the situation remains unresolved,” Hatley said. Sullivan’s family and church community have remained steadfast in their faith, praying for his safe return.
In a video shared by Fellowship Baptist Church four months ago, Sullivan and his wife, Meagan, discussed their experiences with crime in South Africa, highlighting the prevalence of robberies in the region. “Robbing is a very common occurrence,” Sullivan remarked, while his wife added that many locals resort to crime out of desperation for basic necessities.
Tonya Morton Rinker, Sullivan’s mother, praised her son’s character, describing him as a devoted father, husband, and servant of God. “[He embodies] kindness, strength, and selflessness,” she said in a statement. Fellow missionary Mark Coffey also lauded Sullivan’s dedication, noting his fluency in Xhosa and his passion for sharing the Gospel.
The Sullivans, who have lived in South Africa since 2015, planted Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell in 2021 and have taken in two Xhosa children alongside their own. Their story has drawn international attention, underscoring the dangers faced by foreign missionaries in high-risk areas.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, appealing to the public for assistance. Updates on Sullivan’s condition and the investigation’s progress are awaited.
**Sources:**
[ISS Africa Report](https://issafrica.org)
[IOL News](https://www.iol.co.za)
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
