Cape Town: Imam Muhsin Hendricks was shot dead in South Africa's Cape Town on Saturday. The video of the incident also surfaced online. Hendricks was the world's first openly gay imam. According to reports, the imam was attending a wedding in Gqeberha, South Africa, when unknown assailants opened fire at him.
The assailants fled from the spot after killing him. In the video, it could be seen that one of the assailants came out of a car and opened fire at the imam who was sitting inside his vehicle. Hendricks was seated in the back of a car when a Toyota Hilux. The assailants block his car's path.
After receiving the information, authorities swung into action. Hendricks, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and religious leader, faced opposition from Islamic radicals. His death sparked an outrage. Hendricks also ran a mosque.
“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 as reported by The Guardian.
"Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed," the statement added.
Hendricks had reportedly worked as an Arabic language teacher and fashion designer. At 29 years of age he reportedly revealed his sexuality to his mother. He divorced his wife before revealing his sexuality. The couple also had children.
South African authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the imam's murder.
