Tragedy struck in South Africa as Moegsien Hendricks, the world’s first openly gay Imam, was fatally shot near the city of Gqeberha. Hendricks, 58, was in the area to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple, a ceremony that local imams had reportedly refused to perform.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2025, when Hendricks and his driver were ambushed by unknown assailants.According to eyewitnesses, a silver-colored Hilux double cab blocked Hendricks’ vehicle, and two suspects with covered faces emerged, firing multiple shots. Hendricks was struck and killed, while his driver escaped unharmed.
The motive behind the murder is still unknown, and police are seeking information from the community to help track down the perpetrators.Hendricks made history in 1996 by becoming the world’s first openly gay Imam.
He founded the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which supports LGBTQI+ Muslims and provides programs to help individuals reconcile their faith with their sexuality. Just weeks before his death, Hendricks posted a haunting video singing an Arabic song that translates to “You won’t be able to forget me.”
