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Tragic Shooting of World’s First Openly Gay Imam in South Africa Under Investigation
Gqeberha, South Africa – February 17, 2025
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through both the global Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities, Moegsien Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was fatally shot in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The attack occurred on Saturday morning, February 15, 2025, when Hendricks was ambushed by two unknown gunmen while seated in his car.
According to local police reports, the assault happened in the Bethelsdorp area of Gqeberha. The assailants, who had their faces covered, approached Hendricks’ vehicle in a silver Hilux double cab, blocking his path before opening fire. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, but the incident has raised significant concerns about the safety and tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within religious contexts.
Imam Hendricks was a pioneering figure, having established South Africa’s first mosque intended as a safe haven for gay Muslims, known as Masjidul Ghurbaah, located in the Wynberg suburb of Cape Town. His work extended beyond the mosque, as he was also known for his advocacy for inclusivity within Islamic practices regarding sexual orientation.
The news of Hendricks’ death was first disseminated via a post on X by YabaLeftOnline at 09:22 UTC on February 17, 2025, which read: “World’s ‘first openly gay’ imam, Moegsien Hendricks shot dɘad in Eastern Cape, South Africa.” This post quickly garnered attention, leading to an outpouring of tributes and discussions on social media platforms, highlighting Hendricks’ impact on both local and international audiences.
The tragic event has sparked a dialogue about the intersection of religion and sexual orientation, with many expressing their devastation over the loss of a figure who worked tirelessly to bridge these communities. Tributes have come from various activists, with sentiments like “Your leadership, courage, and unwavering dedication to inclusive faith communities have left an indelible mark,” from Reverend Jide Macaulay, an openly gay Anglican minister.
The police are actively investigating the case, with no confirmed motive yet released, though the possibility of a hate crime has not been ruled out. The community and Hendricks’ followers have been urged to remain patient while the authorities work to bring justice.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa, a country that, while pioneering in its constitutional protections for sexual orientation, still grapples with societal acceptance and violence against its queer citizens. Hendricks’ death is not only a loss to his immediate community but a significant blow to the broader movement for acceptance and equality within religious frameworks.
As the investigation continues, local and international organizations are calling for a thorough probe into the circumstances of Hendricks’ murder, emphasizing the need for protection and justice for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
For more updates on this story, follow developments from local authorities in South Africa and keep an eye on community responses as they unfold.
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