Muhsin Hendricks’ Murder: Ramaphosa Calls for Justice

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern that the murder of Cape Town gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks may have been motivated by hate.

In a post on X, Ramaphosa extended his deep condolences to Hendricks’ family, friends, and fellow activists.

“While we await the outcome of investigations, I am concerned about the reported likelihood of this being a hate crime against a religious leader who championed the rights and protection of LGBTQ+ Muslims and compatriots more broadly,” said the president.

“Like all South Africans, I anticipate that the perpetrators will be brought to book for this heinous attack,” he added.

In his State of the Nation Address earlier this month Ramaphosa emphasised that South Africa stands “for equal rights for women, for persons with disabilities, and for members of the LGBTQI+ community.”

Hendricks, 58, was assassinated by a gunman in what appeared to be a targeted ambush in Gqeberha on Saturday. There is suspicion that he was killed because of his sexuality and activism within the Islamic faith.

The religious leader, who was known as the world’s first out gay imam, preached an LGBTQ+-affirming interpretation of Islam. Over the years, he’d faced criticism and death threats from radical conservative elements within his community.

It has been confirmed that Hendricks was in Gqeberha to officiate the marriages of two interfaith heterosexual couples when he was murdered, not to conduct a same-sex marriage, as was initially reported.

The murder has been condemned by South African LGBTQ+ groups and leaders as well as Muslim faith organisations.

Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act

In May 2024, President Ramaphosa signed a hate crimes and hate speech bill into law after nearly two decades of advocacy.

Under the Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, a hate crime occurs when a person commits any already recognised offence that is motivated by prejudice or intolerance based on one or more characteristics of the victim, or those perceived to belong to the victim, such as a family member or supporter.

These characteristics include a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, in addition to others such as age, disability, race, and religion.

The act has yet to be implemented within the criminal justice system, but activists expect this process to begin in the first half of 2025.

Call for Information

Police have urged anyone who may have information about the assassination of Muhsin Hendricks to come forward anonymously by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.

While Hedricks’ janazah (burial) has already taken place, details of a memorial event to honour his life and contributions will be announced within the coming week.