By Lungile Ntimba
Political parties have strongly condemned the killing of Muhsin Hendricks, South Africa’s first openly gay imam, who was gunned down in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha on Saturday.
Hendricks was a respected religious leader, human rights advocate and activist for the LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Muslim community.
Economic Freedom Fighters spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the killing of Hendricks exposed the vile cruelty and brutality that sexual minorities faced daily in the country.
“We, as the EFF, will remember the imam for his contributions towards human rights, anti-racism and his brave struggle against the rampant homophobia in South Africa,” Thambo said in a statement on Monday.
He praised Hendricks for his commitment in fighting for justice and equality, despite excessive discrimination and hate from the Muslim Judicial Council.
Hendricks ran the country’s first queer mosque that provided religious services, such as prayers, studying the Quran and Hadiths, and psychological and spiritual support, to those who have been persecuted by their own communities.
He also founded the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, which provided a support network for LGBTQIA+ Muslims to come to terms with their sexuality and faith.
The EFF extended its sincere condolences and also urged the law enforcement agencies to prioritise this case and bring those responsible to justice.
“May his murderers be brought to justice and the rights of sexual minorities in the Muslim community, and the world in general, be respected and protected,” he added.
Democratic Alliance Western Cape spokesperson Thomas Walters said the nature of Hendricks’s killing strongly suggested a professional hit, which raised alarming concerns about the potential involvement of organised crime.
“The DA in Western Cape call on the South African Police Services to take a hard stance by investigating all possible angles, including the possibility of this being a hate crime motivated by prejudice or intolerance against imam Hendricks’ identity and activism,” Walters said on Monday.
The African National Congress has also spoken out against the murder, as well as the hateful rhetoric against the LGBTQIA+ community that followed the killing, saying no one should live in fear because of their identity or beliefs.
“Imam Hendricks’s murder is not only an attack on an individual, but on the values of equality, dignity and justice that are enshrined in the Constitution of the country and ANC policy,” said spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said Hendricks’s legacy must serve as a rallying call to strengthen the fight against all forms of discrimination, homophobia and hate crimes.
The ANC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the struggle for equality, dignity and the protection of the human rights of the country.
“Our movement stands firm in advancing policies and programs that promote an inclusive society where all individuals are respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious beliefs,” Motsori said.
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