Kidnappings increase in South Africa

An American pastor who was kidnapped in South Africa has been rescued

An episode of the Focus on Africa podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Kidnappings increase in South Africa" was published on April 16, 2025 and runs 32 minutes.

April 16, 2025 ·32m · Focus on Africa

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Summary

An American pastor who was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa last week has been rescued following a "high-intensity shoot-out". Police say three people were killed. Josh Sullivan was found unharmed in the township in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province. Why is South Africa facing a rise in kidnappings? Also, why are women still dying during pregnancy and childbirth in West Africa?And why is India carrying out naval exercises along the East African coast?Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Nick Randell Producers: Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Episode Description

An American pastor who was kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa last week has been rescued following a "high-intensity shoot-out". Police say three people were killed. Josh Sullivan was found unharmed in the township in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province. Why is South Africa facing a rise in kidnappings?

Also, why are women still dying during pregnancy and childbirth in West Africa?

And why is India carrying out naval exercises along the East African coast?

Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Nick Randell Producers: Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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