The death of gay activist Imam Muhsin Hendricks has left his family and friends reeling in shock after he was shot multiple times in the back seat of a car on Saturday in the Eastern Cape.

According to provincial police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, Hendricks (58) and his driver were seated inside a car in Haley Place, extension 24 in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha when a double cab stopped in front of them and blocked them from driving off.

Two unknown gunmen approached the vehicle where he was sitting and started shooting at him.

In a video that went viral on social media, the alleged shooter got back into the car and is seen driving off with the other suspect.

Hendricks was killed instantly. Police say the motive for the killing is unclear.

It’s alleged that Hendricks was in Gqeberha to officiate a wedding.

You led with gentleness my dear friend Imam Muhsin Hendricks (left). I’m grateful for your theological stand interpreting sacred texts and history to broaden inclusivity for queer folk as a religious leader. #queerhero pic.twitter.com/cBwkfhsYzI

— Hanzline R. Davids, PhD (@Hanzline_Davids) February 15, 2025

Since the news broke tributes have been pouring in from members of the queer community.

South African Activist Patric Solomons wrote on his Facebook page: “This is most horrible. A cold-blooded assassination in broad daylight. Those responsible must be found and prosecuted.”

Fatima Sh wrote on Facebook: ” He did incredibly important work supporting queer Muslims who had been rejected by their families for embracing their sexuality while trying to hold on to their faith.”

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Cape Metro LGBTQIA+ community has condemned the murder of Hendricks. Chairperson Roberto Quintas says his death is “an added horror and indictment of the hate crimes and violence experienced by the LGBTQIA+ communities in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.”

Hendricks was the first Imam internationally to come out as gay in 1996 and has worked extensively with queer Muslims through the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation operating from a mosque in Wynberg, Cape Town, which supports queer Muslims in reconciling their sexuality with their faith.

DA Metro LGBTQIA+ community Facebook post on the Imam’s killing:

Former SABC radio and television journalist Reginald Witbooi says: “Muhsin fought hard for the transformation and inclusion in faith spaces and the LGBTQIA+ community. His work left an imprint on the struggles that the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face. I will forever cherish the good engagements we had when I was still a reporter and focused on the LGBTQIA+ community matters. Muhsin’s senseless death is shocking and I hope justice prevails”

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a beloved ally and prominent LGBT activist from South Africa. #restinpeace #Resilience #ImamMuhsin #GSMInclusion #CompassionInAction pic.twitter.com/U4NNoIq4kT

— Pema Kenya (@pemakenya) February 15, 2025

However, others reacted differently. In a post on Radio 786’s Facebook page, Moegsien Holmes commented that: “He was a danger to our kids.”

Another comment read: “Very sad when murdering someone is the only answer…”

The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) described the killing as worrying and called on police to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

MJC Executive Member and spokesperson Sheikh Muhammad West conveyed sympathies to the bereaved, and for peace and justice to prevail.

“We also express our concern regarding the persistently high levels of violent crime in our nation and appeal to all stakeholders. It has been alleged that the killing may have been motivated by hatred toward Muhsin Hendricks due to his views on same-sex relationships.

While the MJC has consistently maintained that Muhsin’s position is incompatible with Islamic teachings, we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community.”

Radio 786 Facebook post on Hendricks’ killing: