World's 'first openly gay imam' shot dead in South Africa
What's the story
Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead near Gqeberha, South Africa.
The incident took place when Hendricks was traveling in a car with another person and their way was blocked by another vehicle.
Two masked suspects got out of the blocking vehicle and opened fire at Hendricks's car before fleeing the scene.
Ongoing probe
Investigation underway, motive still unknown
Hendricks, who was sitting in the back of the vehicle, died from his injuries.
The police have confirmed that a video circulating on social media depicting a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha is real.
However, they are still probing the motive behind this murder and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
Community loss
Global LGBTQ+ community mourns Hendricks's death
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) has condemned Hendricks's killing.
Julia Ehrt, ILGA's executive director, said she was shocked to learn of the news and called for a thorough investigation into what may be a hate crime.
"The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks," she said.
Advocacy work
Hendricks's legacy as an advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims
Hendricks had been advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims since 1996 when he publicly came out as gay.
In 1998, he started hosting meetings for LGBTQ+ Muslims in his home city.
His advocacy work prompted him to establish the Al-Ghurbaah mosque near Cape Town in 2011, offering "a safe space in which queer Muslims and marginalized women can practice Islam."
Despite facing threats, Hendricks stayed committed to his cause.
Personal life
Hendricks's personal journey and South Africa's crime rate
Prior to his advocacy, Hendricks was an Arabic language teacher and fashion designer. He came out to his mother at 29 after marrying a woman, having kids, and then divorcing.
His life was also featured in a 2022 documentary called The Radical.
Notably, South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world with 28,000 murders in the year ending February 2024.