An American missionary in South Africa miraculously escaped unharmed during a police shoot-out that left three others in the same vehicle dead.

Josh Sullivan (45) was kidnapped in Motherwell, Gqeberha, on Thursday when gunmen entered a church while he was giving a sermon and forced him into a vehicle.

The Hawks got involved in the investigation after ransom was demanded for Sullivan’s release.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba confirmed that Sullivan was rescued last night by a task team consisting of their members, the Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Intelligence and a Tactical Response Team.

The rescue followed after intelligence received led the police to a house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha. As they approached the house, they spotted a vehicle with occupants inside.

According to the Hawks, the suspects tried to flee the scene in the vehicle and opened fire on police, resulting in the shoot-out.

Three suspects were killed while Sullivan, who was discovered in the same vehicle, was recovered unharmed.

The US Embassy in Pretoria has been contacted to confirm the American citizen’s identity and other relevant information, but no comment was received at the time of publishing this article.

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