Pastor Josh Sullivan in miraculous rescue amid deadly shoot-out

Three suspects were killed in a shoot-out with police during the rescue of American pastor Josh Sullivan in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, who survived unharmed despite being the in the same vehicle as the gunmen.

Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Avele Fumba said a team received intelligence about an address in KwaMagxaki.

 “As officers approached the house, they observed a vehicle at the premises. The suspects inside the vehicle allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team.

“The officers responded, leading to a high-intensity shoot-out in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded.

“The victim was found inside the same vehicle. Miraculously unharmed, he was assessed by medical personnel and is in excellent condition.”

Sullivan was kidnapped during a sermon when six masked men, some armed, stormed into the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell soon after 7pm last Thursday.

A friend and fellow pastor of the church, Mark Coffey, told the Sunday Times from the US the suspects pistol-whipped Sullivan and dragged him to his vehicle outside. 

Sullivan and his wife Meagan came to South Africa in 2015 for a six-month internship as part of their Bible training studies. They returned as full-time missionaries in 2018.

Fumba, who praised officers for their “tactical precision” during the shoot-out with the suspects, said the rescue was the result of a multidisciplinary operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

“The operation followed verified intelligence wherein a co-ordinated team comprising the serious organised crime investigation team of the Hawks, anti-gang unit, crime intelligence, tactical response team and other key law enforcement partners moved swiftly to the identified location.

“This demonstrates the importance of inter-agency collaboration and timely intelligence in tackling serious organised crime. The Hawks commend the bravery and professionalism of all officers and support personnel involved in securing the victim’s safe return.

“As investigations continue, we respectfully request privacy for the victim and his family as they navigate the period of recovery.”

The provincial head of the Hawks, Maj-Gen Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational team for their "courage, discipline and tactical excellence under fire."

Sullivan's family and Coffey confirmed in public messages on Facebook that he had been reunited with his wife and children. 

After days of uncertainty and fervent prayer, Coffey said "our hearts are overflowing with gratitude."

"Words cannot fully express how thankful we are for the hundreds of thousands of people around the world" for their prayers. We are also deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of local authorities and rescue teams who worked with determination and skill to help bring Josh home. Their courage and professionalism are a testimony to God’s grace in using people from all walks of life to accomplish His purposes. Thank you for standing with us. Please continue to pray for the Sullivan family as they rest and recover."

TimesLIVE