Muhsin Hendricks, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims and widely regarded as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot and killed on Saturday near Gqeberha, Eastern Cape police have confirmed.
According to police reports, Hendricks was in a vehicle with another individual when an unidentified car blocked their path.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” the police said in a statement.
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed.”
Authorities have acknowledged a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly captured the moment of the attack. A police spokeswoman confirmed its authenticity and stated that the footage was taken in Bethelsdorp, a township near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police said, urging anyone with information to assist in the inquiry.
The killing has drawn condemnation from rights groups, with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) calling for a full investigation.
“The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” Executive Director Julia Ehrt said.
Hendricks, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in Islam, came out as gay in 1996. He founded and led the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, near Cape Town, which was established as a sanctuary for queer Muslims and marginalised women.
According to the mosque’s website, it provides “a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam.”
Hendricks was also the subject of a 2022 documentary, The Radical, in which he spoke about the threats he had received due to his activism. However, he remained defiant.
“The need to be authentic is greater than the fear to die,” he had once said.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Hendricks’ killing remain ongoing.
