Moegsien Hendricks, South Africa’s first openly gay Imam, was shot and killed on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in the Eastern Cape near Gqeberha. Hendricks had reportedly traveled to Bethelsdorp to officiate a wedding for a lesbian couple after local religious leaders refused to conduct the ceremony.
According to social media reports, the couple turned to Hendricks from Cape Town after traditional imams declined to officiate. Tragically, during the wedding visit, Hendricks was ambushed by gunmen. Police confirmed the attack took place around 10 a.m., when two suspects in a silver Hilux double cab blocked the Imam’s car. They exited the vehicle with covered faces and fired on the car, killing Hendricks, who was seated in the back.
Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg of the police confirmed the incident, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear as investigations continue. The murder has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among South Africa’s LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, with many concerned that it could be a targeted hate crime.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation.
