World’s ‘first openly gay’ Imam killed in South Africa

The world’s ‘first openly gay’ Imam, Moegsien Hendricks, has been shot dead in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The cleric was killed near the southern city of Gqeberha where he came to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple in Bethelsdorp on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

According to Facebook user Rif’at Brower, the local community and Imams refused to marry the lesbian couple (Naadira Abader’s daughter).

Brower wrote: “Naadirah Abader’s daughter was getting married to another female non-Muslim. Sheikh Mukhtar of (Port Elizabeth) PE said that they will not marry the two females and no one in PE will.

“The females then got the gay so-called imam from Cape Town – Moegsien Hendricks to marry them.

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“Moegsien was shot and killed at the wedding. There is less Fasaad now with him gone. We cannot allow this Fasaad (moral corruption against God) and Jahiliah in our community and faith.”

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, who confirmed the incident, said the motive for the shooting was unknown.

Rensburg said: “The police are seeking information to solve a murder case that was reported at SAPS Bethelsdorp following a shooting incident that took place at Extension 24, Bethelsdorp early on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

“It is alleged that at approximately 10am, the deceased, 58, Imam Moegsien Hendricks, and a driver were inside a gold-coloured VW T-Roc in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, when a silver-coloured Hilux double cab stopped in front and blocked them from driving off.

“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter, they fled the scene and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed.

“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.”

The Star