The kidnapping of Tennessee pastor Josh Sullivan, a missionary in South Africa, highlights the alarming rise in kidnappings across the country over the past decade. Armed robberies and other aggravated crimes have fueled this surge, with kidnappings increasing by 264% since 2014/15, according to a December 2024 report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Africa.
On the evening of April 10, Josh Sullivan, a 34-year-old pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, Eastern Cape Province, was allegedly abducted by several armed, masked men. The suspects broke into the church during a prayer meeting, confiscated cellphones from parishioners, and drove away with Sullivan in his own truck. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana told South African news outlet IOL that a multidisciplinary task team has been activated to locate Sullivan and apprehend the perpetrators. “All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” Mhlakhuvana stated, urging the public to come forward with any leads.
The ISS Africa report revealed that most kidnappings in South Africa occur during aggravated robberies, such as car hijackings or armed robberies at businesses, homes, or public spaces. However, less than 5% of kidnappings involve ransom demands.
Republican Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn 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 she has been in touch with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in South Africa to assist in the case.
Bobby McDonald, a criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, emphasized the risks faced by missionaries in volatile regions. “Missionaries often walk into situations with heavy gang activity or environments where harm is more likely,” he said. McDonald highlighted the stark contrasts in South Africa’s neighborhoods, noting that even well-to-do areas are often adjacent to underdeveloped, high-risk zones.
Tom Hatley, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Tennessee, recounted the harrowing abduction. “We always knew this could happen, but we hoped and prayed it wouldn’t,” he said. Hatley described Sullivan as “cool and calm” despite the ordeal and expressed hope for his safe return.
In a live discussion posted by Fellowship Baptist Church four months ago, Josh Sullivan and his wife shared their experiences of being robbed in South Africa. “Robbing is a very common occurrence,” Sullivan said during the video. His wife recounted a time when she was robbed of her iPhone, attributing much of the crime to economic desperation rather than gang activity.
Mark Coffey, a fellow missionary, described Sullivan as a “kind, big-hearted, gentle giant” in a Facebook post. Sullivan, originally from Maryville, Tennessee, has dedicated his life to serving the Xhosa people in South Africa. He and his wife, Meagan, have planted a church in Motherwell and are raising two Xhosa children alongside their own.
The Sullivan family, along with their church and community, continue to pray for his safe return. The South African authorities remain actively engaged in the investigation, following all leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.
**Sources:**
[IOL News](https://www.iol.co.za)
[ISS Africa Report](https://issafrica.org)
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)