Muhsin Hendricks, globally considered to be the world’s first openly gay imam, was horribly shot and murdered outside the southern South African town of Gqeberha on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Hendricks, who was in a car with someone else, had his vehicle cut off by another vehicle, and two masked men appeared, shooting at him.
The police report states, “Two masked suspects alighted from the car and began firing several shots at the car. They then left the scene, and the driver realized that Hendricks, who was sitting at the back of the car was shot and killed.”
A Legacy of Advocacy for Marginalized Muslims
The 49-year-old imam presided over Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, Cape Town, a mosque that was envisioned as a place of refuge for LGBTQ+ Muslims and oppressed women. Hendricks had publicly revealed himself as gay in 1996 and become a vocal force in LGBTQ+ rights, from being included in the 2022 documentary film The Radical. His imanship at Al-Ghurbaah turned it into a haven for many who had been excluded by mainstream Islamic structures. The mosque’s website describes itself as, “The mosque provides a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalized women can practice Islam.”
Authorities Call for Tips on Suspects
South African authorities are investigating the murder as an open case, but the motive is unknown. Authorities are calling for anyone with information to report it. There is a social media video of the incident that is purported to be the targeted killing, and police are looking into how real it is.
Global Outrage Over the Killing
Muhsin Hendricks’ murder has drawn indignation from LGBTQ+ groups around the globe. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) was in shock over his murder. ILGA’s executive director Julia Ehrt said, “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.”
South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world, continues to face violence, including attacks on LGBTQ+ people. The murder of Hendricks sparked concerns about safety and protection among South Africa’s vulnerable populations.
Although the reason of the murderer has not been officially confirmed by the police, the community is still in shock and is calling for justice more loudly.