Johannesburg: The world’s first openly gay imam, Muhsin Hendricks was shot dead on Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha, South African police have confirmed.

The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was travelling in a car with another person when they were ambushed by unidentified assailants. According to the Eastern Cape police force, a vehicle stopped in front of them, blocking their exit.

“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” 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.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed to AFP the authenticity of a video circulating on social media, which appears to show the targeted killing in Bethelsdorp, near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

Investigation underway, motive unknown

Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killing.

“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police said. They have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the case.

Global LGBTQ+ organisation condemns the killing

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) has condemned the attack, calling for a thorough 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,” said executive director Julia Ehrt in a statement.

A life dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy and religious inclusion

Hendricks, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, came out as gay in 1996 and dedicated his life to fostering inclusivity within Islam. He founded the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, near his birthplace of Cape Town, to provide “a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalised women can practise Islam,” according to the mosque’s website.

The imam was also the subject of a 2022 documentary titled The Radical, which chronicled his efforts to reconcile LGBTQ+ identities with Islamic teachings. He had previously spoken about threats against his life but remained committed to his cause.

“The need to be authentic is greater than the fear to die,” Hendricks once stated.

South Africa’s high murder rate

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. According to police data, nearly 28,000 murders were recorded in the year leading up to February 2024.

AFP