Moegsien Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay imam, has tragically been shot dead in South Africa.
The 58-year-old cleric was killed in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, February 15, 2025, as he was en route to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple in Bethelsdorp, near the city of Gqeberha.
Hendricks, who had openly embraced his LGBTQI+ identity since 1996, was shot while seated in a vehicle with a driver.
According to police reports, a silver-coloured Hilux double cab blocked their path, and two suspects, with their faces covered, approached the vehicle and opened fire.
Hendricks was fatally shot in the back of the vehicle, while the driver managed to escape unharmed. The assailants then fled the scene, leaving the motive of the shooting unclear.
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed the incident and mentioned that police are seeking information to assist with the investigation.
READ ALSO: Army Soldier Charged with Killing Pregnant Wife and Unborn Child in Hawaii
The community is urged to come forward with any relevant details that could help identify those responsible.
Hendricks made history in 1996 when he became the first imam to publicly come out as gay.
He led the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which offers support for LGBTQI+ Muslims struggling with the intersection of their sexuality and faith. His work included providing a safe space for queer Muslims to practice their religion without fear of discrimination.
The shooting occurred during a controversial moment, as Hendricks had been invited to marry a lesbian couple after local imams in Port Elizabeth refused to officiate the ceremony.
One Facebook user, Rif’at Brower, commented on the event, expressing that Hendricks’ participation in the wedding represented a moral stance that some local community members did not accept.
Tributes to Hendricks have poured in from around the world, as people reflect on his trailblazing role as an advocate for both Islam and LGBTQI+ rights.
His passing has left a significant void in the community he served, and his murder has sparked intense debates about intolerance and the need for greater acceptance in faith-based communities.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive behind this senseless tragedy, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
