An American missionary pastor, Josh Sullivan, was kidnapped at gunpoint during a church service in Gqeberha on Thursday night.
Authorities confirmed that the abduction took place around 7 p.m. in the Motherwell area. Four unidentified armed men reportedly entered the church and forced the pastor into his own Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned in the same area.
During the incident, the kidnappers also stole two cellphones.
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A ransom has since been demanded by the suspects. In response, a special police task team involving multiple specialized units has been assembled to track down the victim and those responsible.
Investigators are currently following up on all available leads. The public has been urged to share any helpful information, with assurances that all tips will be handled in strict confidence.
The case has drawn international attention, though the specific amount demanded in the ransom remains undisclosed.
