# World’s ‘first openly gay imam’, shot dead in South Africa

> Muhsin Hendricks, the world’s “first openly gay imam,” was shot and killed near Gqeberha, South Africa. While in a car, two masked suspects blocked their path and opened fire, fatally wounding Hendricks. Police are inve…

Published: 2026-09-16 · Desk: Latest · Source: The Guardian

Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s “first openly gay imam,” was shot and killed near Gqeberha, South Africa, according to police reports.

The imam, who led a mosque providing a safe space for gay and marginalized Muslims, was in a car with another person on Saturday when a vehicle suddenly stopped in front of them, blocking their path.

“Two unidentified suspects, with their faces covered, exited the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the car,” said the Eastern Cape police in a statement.

They added that the suspects fled the scene, and the driver later discovered that Hendricks, seated in the back, had been fatally shot.

A police spokesperson confirmed to AFP that a circulating social media video showing a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, was authentic.

“The motive behind the murder remains unclear and is part of the ongoing investigation,” police stated, urging anyone with information to step forward.

Original reporting: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/16/muhsin-hendricks-worlds-first-openly-gay-imam-shot-dead-in-south-africa?fbclid=IwY2xjawIe4K5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXliGwY2g9TNQ0UT7_0QKvFzmXTVgklL93u9MUi8RiBdLokU5-yxxWZRsg_aem_eEaFa5hyRCBhlpZ8MEYn8w
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