Considered the world’s ‘first openly gay imam’, Muhsin Hendricks was shot dead on Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha, The Guardian quoted South African police as saying.
According to the report, Hendricks was in a car with another person when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” the Eastern Cape force said in a statement.
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”
Confirming to AFP the authenticity of a video on social media, a police spokesperson said the video purported to show a targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation,” police said.
Hendricks used to run a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims.
Meanwhile, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association has denounced the killing.
“The ILGA World family is in deep shock at the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime,” The Guardian quoted the executive director, Julia Ehrt as saying in a statement.
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