Moegsien Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was fatally shot in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, near Gqeberha. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 15, 2025, while Hendricks was reportedly in Bethelsdorp to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple.
Facebook user Rif’at Brower claimed that local community members and imams had refused to conduct the marriage ceremony for Naadira Abader’s daughter and her female partner, prompting the couple to invite Hendricks from Cape Town.
Hendricks was killed during the wedding, according to Brower’s post, which also contained controversial remarks criticizing the imam.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed the shooting but stated that the motive remains unknown.
“The police are investigating a murder case reported at SAPS Bethelsdorp following a shooting that occurred early on February 15,” van Rensburg said.
At around 10 a.m., Hendricks, 58, was seated in the back of a gold VW T-Roc when a silver Hilux double cab blocked the vehicle’s path. Two masked suspects exited the Hilux and opened fire, killing Hendricks before fleeing the scene. The driver escaped unharmed.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Colonel Dawie Schotz at 082 319 8673 or the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Tips can also be reported to local police stations, and callers may remain anonymous.
Hendricks came out as the first openly gay imam in 1996 and led the Al-Ghurbaah (The Strangers) Foundation, which supports LGBTQI+ Muslims. The organization operates from a mosque in Wynberg and helps Muslims reconcile their faith and sexuality.
On January 17, Hendricks posted a video singing in Arabic with the lyrics: “You won’t be able to forget me.”
