Mon Feb 17 02:57:10 UTC 2025: ## World’s First Openly Gay Imam Shot Dead in South Africa
**JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (February 17, 2025)** – Muhsin Hendricks, widely recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was fatally shot on Saturday, February 15th, near Gqeberha, South Africa. Police confirmed the killing, stating that Hendricks was in a car when two masked assailants opened fire, subsequently fleeing the scene. A video circulating on social media appears to corroborate the targeted nature of the attack.
Hendricks, who came out publicly in 1996, ran Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, Cape Town. The mosque served as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ Muslims and marginalized women. He was also a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and the subject of a 2022 documentary, “The Radical,” in which he discussed receiving threats but insisted on living authentically.
The motive for the murder remains under investigation, but the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) has condemned the killing, calling for a thorough investigation into what they suspect may be a hate crime.
South Africa grapples with a high murder rate, recording approximately 28,000 homicides in the year leading up to February 2024, according to police statistics. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Hendricks’ murder to come forward.
First Piper 