Cape Town - Muhsin Hendricks, South Africa’s first openly gay imam, was tragically shot dead while officiating a wedding in the Eastern Cape, sparking outrage and calls for justice.
He had been in Gqeberha to marry a couple in Bethelsdorp.According to Facebook user Rif’at Brower Hendricks was shot and killed at the wedding.
"There is less Fasaad now with him gone. We cannot allow this Fasaad (moral corruption against God) and Jahiliah in our community and faith.”
Police spokesperson, Sandra Janse van Rensburg, said the motive for the shooting is unknown.
“The police are seeking information to solve a murder case that was reported at SAPS Bethelsdorp following a shooting incident that took place at Extension 24, Bethelsdorp early on Saturday.
“It is alleged that at approximately 10am, the deceased, 58, Imam Muhsin Hendricks, and a driver were inside a gold-coloured VW T-Roc in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, when a silver-coloured Hilux double cab stopped in front and blocked them from driving off.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter, they fled the scene and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.”
She added that they need information from the community that can help to trace the murderer.
Anyone with the information can contact Detective Colonel Dawie Schotz on 082 319 8673 or SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or report to the nearest police station. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) secretary-general Moulana Yusuf Patel urged the public and the media to avoid any speculative statements about the motive of the murder.
“Islamic teachings and traditions unequivocally prohibit same-sex relationships, an aspect the deceased is known to have been advocating. However, UUCSA condemns all forms of extrajudicial killings, as they undermine the rule of law and contribute to societal instability.
“We consequently call everyone to act responsibly, avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from making assumptions that have the potential to heighten tension and put others at risk, based on mere suspicion.”
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) expressed concern regarding the shocking killing of Hendricks.
“It has been alleged that the killing may have been motivated by hatred toward Hendricks due to his views on same-sex relationships. While the MJC has consistently maintained that Muhsin's position is incompatible with Islamic teachings, we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community.”
Hendricks became the world’s first openly gay imam when he came out in 1996.
He led a group of queer Muslims through the Al-Ghurbaah (the strangers) Foundation, based in a mosque in Wynberg.
The organisation supports the LGBTQI+ and has programmes that help Muslims with their sexuality and their faith.
On January 17, the imam posted a video singing, in Arabic, a song that says: “You won’t be able to forget me.”
*This story has been updated to clarify details on the wedding that Hendricks was officiating.