Kidnapped US pastor rescued in South Africa - and 'miraculously unharmed' in deadly shootout

An American pastor abducted by armed men in South Africa has been rescued - and was "miraculously unharmed" in a deadly shootout.

Josh Sullivan, who is originally from Tennessee, was kidnapped by four men as he was delivering a sermon to a church congregation in Eastern Cape province last Thursday.

The gang stole two mobile phones from worshippers, seized Mr Sullivan from the pulpit, and drove the pastor away using his own pick-up truck.

Officials said the Toyota Fortuner was found abandoned a few hours later, and a multi-agency taskforce launched an urgent investigation to find the 45-year-old.

By Tuesday night, detectives suspected Mr Sullivan was being held at a house about a 20-minute drive away from the church where he was taken.

A shootout began when suspects in a car parked outside fired at officers - and three unidentified men were killed.

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"The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack," a police statement added.

Lt Col Avele Fumba said Mr Sullivan was "miraculously unharmed" and found to be in an "excellent condition" after being assessed by medics.

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The missionary had been based at the Motherwell branch of the Fellowship Baptist church since 2018.

Mr Sullivan has a wife and two children - and has now been reunited with his family.

Police data shows the number of kidnappings across South Africa has surged by 264% over the past decade.