World’s First Openly Gay Imam; Moegsien Hendricks, Shot Dead in South Africa

Moegsien Hendricks; known as the first openly gay imam in history, was shot and killed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The horrific event happened on Saturday, February 15, 2025, close to Gqeberha, where Hendricks had allegedly gone to perform a lesbian couple’s same-sex wedding in Bethelsdorp. The Muslim bride, described as the daughter of Naadira Abader, and her non-Muslim female partner were not allowed to be married by local imams and community members, according to Facebook user Rif’at Brower.

“Sheikh Mukhtar from Port Elizabeth (PE) and other local imams refused to officiate the wedding,” Brower claimed.

“So, they brought in Moegsien Hendricks from Cape Town to perform the ceremony.”

Hendricks was shot and killed shortly after, raising questions about whether his death was related to his activism and support for LGBTQ+ causes. Although the killing’s motive is yet unknown, police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed the occurrence.

Hendricks, 58, was in the rear seat of a gold VW T-Roc in Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, when a silver Hilux double cab pulled in front of the car, she said.

She said, “Two masked suspects got out of the Hilux and fired several shots before escaping the scene.” Hendricks was declared dead at the site, while the car’s driver lived.

The public is being asked to submit any pertinent information that could aid in identifying the attackers as authorities have begun an inquiry.

With the assurance that all information would be kept private, Rensburg said, “Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Colonel Dawie Schotz at 082 319 8673 or SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”

Hendricks became the first openly gay imam in 1996, making history. Based in a Wynberg mosque, he established the Al-Ghurbaah (The Strangers) Foundation, which has assisted LGBTQ+ Muslims in balancing their sexual orientation and religion.

Hendricks uploaded a video of himself singing in Arabic, “You won’t be able to forget me,” on January 17, just a few weeks before he passed himself.

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.