US missionary pastor Josh Sullivan was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha on Thursday night.
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A ransom demand has been made for US missionary pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha.
The Hawks said the victim was taken at gunpoint at around 7pm on Thursday.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana said the victim believed to be the pastor at a local church in the Motherwell area in Gqeberha was allegedly confronted by four unknown armed suspects during a church service.
"According to the reports, the suspects allegedly forced the victim into his own vehicle and fled the scene with him."
The police confirmed that the victim's Toyota Fortuner was later recovered in Motherwell.
Two cellphones were also taken during the kidnapping.
"In response to the incident, a multidisciplinary task team consisting of various police specialised units was activated. The joint team is currently following all possible leads to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
"A ransom was demanded by the suspects."
The Hawks urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward.
"All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality."
There have been a spate of kidnappings in the Eastern Cape in recent months. Last month a teacher was abducted outside her school in Algoa Park, Gqeberha.
According to authorities, three armed men driving a white Toyota Corolla kidnapped the 45-year-old educator at approximately 8am.
In February, nine-year-old Emaan Fatima was kidnapped while walking home from Dreamland Primary School in Buffalo Flats, East London. She was later released.
Between July and September 2024, South Africa recorded 4,627 kidnappings — an increase of 327 compared to the same period in the previous year. In the Eastern Cape alone, 203 cases were reported, marking a rise from the prior year’s figures.
Cape Times