KIDNAPPED AT CHURCH

A ransom demand has been made for US missionary pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped during a church service in Gqeberha on Thursday night.

The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) said the victim was taken at gunpoint while he was preaching his sermon on 10 April 10 at around 7pm.

The kidnapping has been reported in international media. It is unclear how much the ransom demand was at this stage.

According to the BBC, Sullivan was preeking to about 30 other people, including his family, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell when four armed men entered the kerk.

Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakhuvana confirmed this, saying: "According to the reports, the suspects allegedly forced the victim into his own vehicle and fled the scene with him to unknown place."

The police confirmed that the victim was taken in his Toyota Fortuner, which was later recovered in Motherwell.

Two cellphones were also taken during the kidnapping.

Mhlakhuvana adds: “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, adding: "All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality."

Sullivan’s wife Meagan and their four children were left traumatised, with the devastated mom asked for prayers and the safe return of her husband. 

She wrote on Facebook: “I just want to thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers. We beg you to continue storming the throne room until Josh is safe at home.” 

Family spokesperson Jeremy Hall told TimesLive: “They knew his name. 

“The men came into the church and initially held Meagan and walked her towards the door before saying, ‘Josh, is this your wife?’ They then pushed her to the ground and took Josh before driving off in his vehicle.”