South Africa’s first openly gay Imam, Moegsien Hendricks, was shot and killed in the Eastern Cape, near Gqeberha, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The cleric had reportedly traveled to Bethelsdorp to officiate a wedding between a lesbian couple when the fatal attack occurred.
According to reports circulating on social media, local religious leaders and members of the community had refused to perform the ceremony. A Facebook user, Rif’at Brower, claimed that after traditional imams declined to conduct the wedding, the couple sought out Hendricks from Cape Town to officiate.
However, the celebration took a deadly turn when unknown gunmen ambushed the cleric. Police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack happened around 10 a.m.
*“It is alleged that the deceased, 58-year-old Imam Moegsien Hendricks, was in a gold-coloured VW T-Roc with a driver in Haley Place, Extension 24, Bethelsdorp, when a silver Hilux double cab blocked their path. Two armed suspects with covered faces exited the vehicle and opened fire on the car before fleeing the scene. Hendricks, who was seated at the back, was fatally shot,”* Rensburg said.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing, and investigations are ongoing. The attack has sparked outrage and concern, particularly within South Africa’s LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities, as many fear the killing may have been a targeted hate crime.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their probe into the murder.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
What Akpabio Said About My Waist – Suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti 
Everyone Should Stay Away From Crime - Kidnapper Laments As Edo Govt Demolishes His House
FG Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Station In Abuja Amidst Hardship Crisis In The Country
Model Who Went Missing After Attending a Party in Dubai Found Dumped by Roadside With Broken Spine
Rwanda v Nigeria: CAF World Cup Qualifying Match,Team News,Goal Scorers and Stats
VIDEO; "Why You Need to Dump Your Girlfriend And Focus On Your Life" – Geh Geh Tells Young Men