EC police rescue American pastor who was kidnapped in Gqeberha

JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape police have rescued an American pastor who was kidnapped in Gqeberha.

The man was allegedly held hostage at a safe house in Kwamagxaki since last week Tuesday.

Tuesday's rescue operation ended in a bloody shootout between law enforcement officials and the suspects.

Police said that the occupants of the house opened fire at officers during a confrontation that ended with three suspects fatally wounded.

The pastor was found inside a vehicle, shocked but unharmed and was immediately treated by medical teams.

Authorities said that the man, who was serving in the area, was in excellent condition.

The Hawks described the rescue as a textbook example of tactical excellence and inter-agency coordination, warning that organised criminals would be met with the full force of the law.

The motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, but authorities say investigations are far from over and more arrests could follow.