The murder of the world’s first openly gay imam in Gqeberha at the weekend triggered consternation as suspicions mounted that the chilling “hit-style” killing was a hate crime.
Imam Muhsin Hendricks, internationally known for his research and activism on Islam and sexual diversity, especially after coming out as gay in 1996, was gunned down in Bethelsdorp Extension 32 on Saturday at about 10am.
The 58-year-old founder of the Inner Circle NPO was shot several times while seated in the back of a gold VW T-Roc.
The driver of the vehicle was not harmed.
The pioneering and controversial imam is believed to have been in Gqeberha to preside over an interfaith wedding.
As tributes for Hendricks poured in, a 34-second video of the cold-blooded killing posted on social media has surfaced.
The footage begins with Hendricks’ VW being shown being parked in by a silver Toyota Hilux.
As the VW driver tries to drive off, the Hilux blocks its path before an unidentified hooded man climbs out of the passenger side door, runs up to the driver’s side of the VW and fires several gunshots through the window.
The suspect then gets back into the bakkie before it makes a U-turn and drives off.
Police spokesperson Sandra Janse van Rensburg said: “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the [VW].
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed.”
She said the motive for the killing had not been established and formed part of the investigation.
The Muslim Judicial Council of SA (MJC) extended its condolences to the Hendricks family and condemned the murder, saying it was deeply concerned about the persistently highly levels of crime in the country.
“It is alleged that the killing may [have] been motivated by a hatred of Muhsin Hendricks due to [his] view of same-sex relationships,” the council said on Sunday.
“While the MJC has consistently maintained that Muhsin’s position is incompatible with the Islamic teachings, we unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQI community or any other community.
“As members of a democratic, pluralist society, the MJC remains steadfast in advocating for peaceful and mutual respect, even amid divergent views.”
The council said the sanctity of human life was a fundamental tenet of Islam and the unlawful taking of life was a grave transgression, both in the religious jurisprudence and SA’s legal framework.
The department of women, youth and persons with disabilities said though the motive of the murder remained unknown, there were suspicions it might have been a religiously motivated hate crime.
Deputy minister Steve Letsike said the murder was not simply about Hendricks but a direct assault on all movements, organisations and individuals advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in SA.
“We call on the SA Police Service and all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their investigation and track down the people responsible for justice to prevail,” he said.
The department of justice and constitutional development acknowledged Hendricks’ enduring activism, which included his work with interfaith communities around the world and his independent research on Islam and sexual diversity.
It cited the imam’s contribution to the National Intervention Strategy on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sex Characteristics and his participation at the 31st International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association World Conference in Cape Town in November.
The department called for continued efforts to uphold constitutional values and ensure a society where no-one was unfairly discriminated against directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, gender, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic, social origin or any other status.
DA Cape Metro LGBTQIA+ Committee chair Roberto Quintas also condemned the murder, which he described as an “alleged hate crime”.
“To take place over the Valentine’s Day weekend, a time when love is celebrated across the world, and at a wedding, is an added horror and indictment of the hate and violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities in SA and elsewhere in the world,” Quintas said.
“Too many crimes against vulnerable LGBTQIA+ community members are committed in hate, whether it be the ‘corrective rape’ of lesbians in townships, the beating and murdering of transgender [people], and now this alleged hit on a high-profile religious leader.”
The founder of the Inner Circle — the largest formal organisation for queer Muslims in the world — was an Islamic scholar with a degree in Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies obtained at the University of Islamic Studies in Karachi, Pakistan.
He did independent research on Islam and sexual diversity and delivered several papers and facilitated workshops on Islam and sexual diversity for organisations in SA, the US and Europe.
Hendricks was elected by Echoing Green out of 970 international applicants as one of the top 10 social entrepreneurs of 2006.
He won several community awards and featured in the documentary, A Jihad for Love, which explores the lives of queer Muslims.
• Janse van Rensburg said anyone with the information on the murder should contact detective Colonel Dawie Schotz on 082-319-8673 or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600-10111 or report to the nearest police station.
“All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.”
The Herald
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