South Africa’s First Openly Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks Shot Dead

• South African imam Muhsin Hendricks was shot dead in a targeted attack.
• He was a vocal LGBTQ+ advocate and led a mosque for marginalized Muslims.
• Police are investigating the murder, with concerns it may be a hate crime.

Prominent South African imam and LGBTQ+ advocate, Muhsin Hendricks, was shot and killed on Saturday near the city of Gqeberha, according to local police.

Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay imam, was in a car when another vehicle blocked their exit. Two masked assailants emerged and opened fire, fatally shooting him. His driver survived the attack and immediately alerted authorities.

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The Eastern Cape police confirmed the incident, stating that the motive for the killing remains unknown and is under investigation. A spokesperson also verified the authenticity of a social media video showing the targeted shooting in Bethelsdorp.

Hendricks was a significant figure in LGBTQ+ rights within the Muslim community. He founded and led the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, Cape Town, which served as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ Muslims and marginalized women.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation.

“The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and urges authorities to determine whether this was a hate crime,” said executive director Julia Ehrt.

Hendricks came out as gay in 1996 and faced threats throughout his life for his advocacy. Despite the dangers, he remained committed to promoting inclusivity in Islam.

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His work was highlighted in the 2022 documentary The Radical, where he acknowledged the risks but stated that “the need to be authentic” outweighed his fear of death.

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates globally, with approximately 28,000 homicides recorded in the year leading up to February 2024, according to police statistics. Authorities continue to seek information regarding Hendricks’ assassination.

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