Gqeberha, South Africa Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay Imam in South Africa, was tragically shot and killed in broad daylight in the Bethelsdorp area of Gqeberha on Saturday. Hendricks, 57, was officiating the wedding of an interfaith couple—a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man—at the time of the attack.
CCTV footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows the shocking moment when Hendricks was gunned down while fulfilling his duties as a certified marriage officer. He had been visiting Gqeberha to officiate the marriages when the tragedy unfolded.
Hendricks, who came out as gay in 1996, founded the Inner Circle, a support organization for queer Muslims, and later established the inclusive Masjidul Ghurbaah mosque, a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Muslim community. His advocacy for equality and religious unity earned him widespread recognition, and he became a symbol of hope for many navigating the complex intersection of faith and sexuality.
In a statement, the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation confirmed Hendricks’ death and described him as a visionary leader, compassionate mentor, and champion for LGBTQ+ rights. “He dedicated his life to fostering a sense of belonging for queer Muslims,” the organization stated, urging the public to respect the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences, expressing concern that the murder could be motivated by hate due to Hendricks’ activism. “While we await the outcome of investigations, I am concerned about the reported likelihood of this being a hate crime against a religious leader who championed the rights and protection of LGBTQ+ Muslims,” Ramaphosa said on social media.
Authorities have confirmed that a police investigation is underway, with Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel assuring that the suspects involved are being actively pursued. However, legal experts have cautioned that it is too early to definitively classify the incident as a hate crime. Advocate Igshaan Higgins emphasized that speculation without concrete evidence could hinder the investigation, stating that the motive could involve personal issues unrelated to Hendricks’ LGBTQ+ advocacy.
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) also condemned the murder, reiterating that the sanctity of human life is a core tenet of Islam. “The unlawful taking of life is a grave transgression,” the MJC said in a statement, calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation.
While the exact motive behind Hendricks’ assassination remains unclear, the murder has ignited discussions surrounding the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in South Africa, particularly within religious communities. Hendricks’ death serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality in a diverse society.
A memorial service for Hendricks is expected to be held in the coming days, with details to be provided by the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation.