Johannesburg – The fate of American Pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, remains unknown.
The 45-year-old American man of the cloth was taken away by gunmen during a service on Thursday, (10 April 2025), at the Fellowship Baptist Church.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the 45-year-old pastor was abducted by four armed and masked men.
“They stole two cellphones and took the pastor with them and fled the scene in the pastor’s vehicle,” said Captain Beetge.
“The silver Toyota Fortuner was recovered a short while later in Motherwell.”
Fresh reports suggest that a ransom has since been demanded for the kidnapped pastor.
However, The Bulrushes has not yet been able to verify the claims independently.
A case of kidnapping and armed robbery was being investigated by police in Motherwell, Gqeberha.
Messages and prayers for the safe return of the pastor from Maryville, Tennessee, U.S. are awash on social media.
Early Friday morning, Zach Witt posted on Facebook: “Tough night for my family, but please pray for the safety of my brother as he was abducted and is still missing at this moment.
“So many emotions at this point but what I do know is there is great faith at work.
“Let’s pray together for his safe return and glorify our Savior for his goodness and mercy in all things.
“I know tonight that’s exactly what my sister Meagan Witt Sullivan and her kids are doing. Josh Sullivan I love you brother!
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Corinthians 4:17”
