SAHRC ‘deeply concerned’ by killing of Imam Hendricks
The South African Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the killing of Iman Muhsin Hendricks.
Hendricks, widely known as the world’s first openly gay Imam, was shot and killed in Gqeherha on Saturday.
In a video of the apparent hit, Hendricks’ vehicle is blocked off by another car before a gun-toting man hops out of the second vehicle and fires several shots at him.
It’s alleged the religious leader, who is from Cape Town, was in the Eastern Cape to oversee the marriage of a lesbian couple.
The motive for the murder has not been confirmed but has widely been attributed to religious intolerance.
“Imam Hendricks was a pioneering advocate for equality and inclusion, particularly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more persons within faith communities. His work sought to create spaces of dignity and recognition for all, challenging discrimination and advocating for human rights within the framework of religious expression,” said SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi.
Baloyi said the commission’s national office, led by Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi, who is responsible for the Equality Focal Area and the Eastern Cape Provincial Office, will travel to Gqeberha and visit the police in the province to get an update on their investigation.
“The commission will also meet with Imam's family and LGBTQI+ activists to express its heartfelt condolences and solidarity. The SAHRC calls upon all relevant authorities to prioritise this case, ensure justice for the late Imam Hendricks, and reaffirm South Africa's commitment to protecting all individuals from discrimination and violence,” added Baloyi.
The commission said it would also keep a close eye on the progress of the investigation into Hendricks’ murder and would act as a watching brief in any eventual trial.
No arrests have been reported yet.
‘COWARDLY, MERCILESS ASSASSINATION’
The Claremont Main Road Mosque issued a statement condemning the murder, saying such acts of hate and wanton violence had no place in religious communities.
A very brave and needed statement by @cmrmmedia on the killing of Imam Mushin Hendricks. pic.twitter.com/c4aN0JZYSG
— ntu (@Ba_ntu) February 16, 2025
“No theological dispute, no matter how profound, and no jurisprudential difference, no matter how contested, can ever justify murder. Extrajudicial killings violate every ethical, moral, and spiritual principle we uphold.”
The Mosque urged communities to uphold peace and mutual respect.
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