The brutal murder of Imam Moegsien Hendricks is not just an attack on an individual—it is an indictment of the ongoing violence and hatred faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa and across the world.
This tragedy, occurring over the Valentine’s Day weekend—a time meant to celebrate love—exposes the deep-seated bigotry that continues to fester in our society. It is a stark reminder that human rights, particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals, remain under siege in spaces where they should find safety and acceptance.
Imam Moegsien Hendricks was a beacon of hope, a trailblazer who dedicated his life to the struggle for equality. In 1996, he made history as the first openly gay Imam, a courageous act that paved the way for many queer Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith with their identities.
Through his work with The Inner Circle, Al-Fitrah, and most recently, the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, he created spaces of love, inclusion, and understanding for LGBTQIA+ Muslims. His advocacy challenged deep-rooted prejudices and offered a powerful counter-narrative to those who seek to weaponize religion against the marginalized.
That his life was stolen in such a heinous manner—ambushed and gunned down in broad daylight—only amplifies the urgency for justice. Reports indicate that Imam Hendricks was in the Eastern Cape to officiate a same-sex wedding when he was killed in Bethelsdorp.
The details of this alleged hate crime are chilling: his vehicle was intercepted, and assailants opened fire, ending the life of a man who preached love, acceptance, and human dignity.
This murder must be a turning point. It must be met with the full force of the law, ensuring that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and held accountable. Hate crimes cannot go unpunished. The South African justice system must send a clear message: no one should be targeted or killed for who they are or who they love.
Equally disturbing are the comments flooding social media in the wake of this tragedy. Celebrations of Imam Hendricks’ death, calls for the "cleansing of corruption" within the Muslim community, and outright support for this act of terror reflect a horrifying reality: violent homophobia and transphobia continue to thrive in our society.
These attitudes fuel a culture of impunity where LGBTQIA+ individuals—already vulnerable—become targets of hate-fueled crimes such as "corrective rape" and brutal murders. The killing of Imam Hendricks adds to a long list of atrocities committed against the LGBTQIA+ community, from townships to places of worship.
His murder is an attack on every South African who values freedom, dignity, and the right to exist without fear. This is a moment that calls for collective outrage, solidarity, and action. Silence is complicity. We must stand together to honor Imam Hendricks' legacy by continuing his fight for a world where love and faith are not conditions for persecution, but sources of strength and unity.
To those in power: do not let this crime become just another statistic. Arrest the perpetrators. Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Make an example of them so that no one else believes they can take another life with impunity.
To the LGBTQIA+ community, activists, and allies: let this tragedy strengthen our resolve. Imam Moegsien Hendricks' light was stolen from us, but his impact remains. Let us honor him by ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate, by demanding justice, and by continuing his work of love, inclusion, and resistance.
Rest in power, Imam Moegsien Hendricks. Your fight was never in vain, and we will not let your legacy be erased.
