World's first openly gay imam shot dead in South Africa

World's first openly gay imam, Muhsin Hendricks, shot dead in South Africa, sparking fears of a hate crime.

Muhsin Hendricks, considered the world's first openly gay imam, was shot dead on Saturday (February 15, 2025) near the southern city of Gqeberha, South African police said.

The imam, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was in a car with another person when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit, police said.

"Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle," the Eastern Cape force said in a statement.

"Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed."

A police spokeswoman confirmed to AFP the authenticity of a video on social media that purported to show a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

"The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation," police said, urging anybody with information to come forward.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association denounced the killing.