Six Months On, Still No Justice for Slain Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks

It has been nearly six months since South African gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks was assassinated in Gqeberha, and the public and the LGBTQIA+ community are still waiting for answers.

Despite national and international outrage – even President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced concern soon after the killing – there has been no indication of any progress from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and no arrests have been made.

Hendricks, often described as the world’s first openly gay imam, was in the Eastern Cape city to officiate a marriage when he was shot dead by a masked gunman on 15 February.

The brazen attack, which was captured by a security camera, was widely seen as a targeted assassination. A spiritual pioneer, the Cape Town-based Hendricks worked to support queer Muslims in embracing both their faith and queer identity.

The lack of transparency and urgency in the investigation has led to growing concern, particularly among LGBTQIA+ communities and human rights defenders.

Justice Delayed and Information Withheld

SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg told MambaOnline that the “investigation into the murder of Muhsin Hendricks is still ongoing,” but added that “there is no new information that can be shared with the media.”

She emphasised that the case is being handled by the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Intervention Task Team, which is reportedly in contact with Hendricks’ family and a representative from his organisation.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) confirmed that the case is under the watch of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of the National Task Team (NTT), a multi-stakeholder body formed to monitor LGBTQIA+ hate crimes. However, the DOJCD made it clear that it cannot interfere with the functions of SAPS or the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Prosecution of the cases rests solely with the NPA, and the adjudication of matters rests solely with the courts. The NTT cannot influence those processes,” explained DOJCD spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi.

In response to public frustration around the lack of action despite reports of video footage of the killing, Masibi stated: “The DOJCD through its Rapid Response Team is monitoring the progress of the Muhsin Hendricks case. However, we are not in a position to report on SAPS’ ongoing investigation… [as] it will neither undermine nor compromise the ongoing investigation.”

Masibi stressed that the RRT “meets monthly to discuss the progress on all pending hate crime matters… The Muhsin Hendricks case is undergoing consistent monitoring and will remain on the RRT radar to its conclusion.”

IAM: “Profoundly Disappointing” Lack of Feedback

Rev Ecclesia de Lange, Director at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), expressed deep concern at the absence of transparency and updates.

“The lack of progress is profoundly disappointing. The Rapid Response Task Team’s last update was in April, and the absence of any more updates has left us without crucial feedback, sparking growing concern,” said de Lange.

She also warned of the broader risks this silence creates:

“The surge in hate speech, particularly targeting the Muslim community, poses a significant threat to individuals’ safety and well-being. This hostile environment has forced queer Muslim activists to operate discreetly due to fear, resulting in a substantial gap in support and representation.”

“A Message That Terrifies Us” – OUT LGBT Well-being

For activists, the silence surrounding the case is more than frustrating, it’s dangerous. Sibonelo Ncanana, Project Coordinator at OUT LGBT Well-being, warns that the lack of visible progress sends a chilling signal.

“What message does this send? That you can kill a queer person, someone as visible, spiritual, and beloved as Imam Muhsin Hendricks, and nothing will happen?” says Ncanana. “That fear sits heavily on all of us. It tells the broader queer community, especially those of us in the public eye: you could be next, and no one will protect you.”

OUT LGBT Well-being is among those demanding accountability.

“To let his murder fade into silence would be a betrayal,” Ncanana adds. “Imam Muhsin’s legacy was one of healing and hope. OUT joins the call for justice, not just for Imam, but for every queer life threatened by this dangerous culture of inaction.”

Ncanana also questions the lack of urgency despite the availability of video evidence and early public pressure. “From the outset, this case should have been treated as a high-profile hate crime. Instead, we’ve seen indifference, and that’s unacceptable.”

“We are watching. And we will not be silent,” he declares. “There are systems meant to protect us, but they are failing. Imam’s death cannot be normalised.”

Imam Hendricks – A Legacy That Won’t Forgotten

For the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation (AGF), an organisation spearheaded by Imam Hendricks to provide support and safety to queer Muslims, the silence from authorities has only compounded the trauma.

“All relevant authorities, including SAPS, have remained completely silent about the circumstances surrounding his assassination,” said the AGF Board in a statement to MambaOnline.

Despite this lack of progress, AGF remains resolute. “We are working tirelessly to rebuild and strengthen the organisation… We are determined to carry forward the legacy and work of Imam Muhsin with integrity, compassion, and resilience.”

The board also issued a heartfelt message to the queer Muslim community: “Please know that you are not alone. We are here, steadfast in our commitment to your safety, dignity, and well-being.”

“We will not allow violence or discrimination to erase the sacred and powerful legacy of Imam Muhsin Hendricks. His life’s work continues to inspire, heal, and save lives,” the statement concluded.

A System That Still Fails LGBTQIA+ Victims

Hendricks’ murder highlights persistent gaps in South Africa’s justice system when it comes to addressing violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Although the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act was signed into law earlier this year, it has yet to be implemented.

“The entire value chain of the criminal justice system must be positioned to effectively implement this Act,” Masibi explained. She added that this requires the development of national regulations and directives by both SAPS and the NPA, as well as training of judicial officers.

The revised National Intervention Strategy on SOGIESC 2023–2027 also promises a more coordinated, intersectional response to hate crimes, but its full implementation is still in progress. It’s a harsh reminder that legislation cannot protect queer lives without accountability and urgency.

Call to Action

As the weeks turn into months, the LGBTQIA+ community and allies grow increasingly restless. Imam Muhsin Hendricks was not just a religious figure; he was a symbol of reconciliation, freedom, and dignity.

Now, those who carry his legacy are left to wonder: will his murder go unanswered?

The SAPS continues to appeal to the public for any leads in connection with the murder of Muhsin Hendricks. Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer WO Leslie Kilian at 082 410 7492, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the anonymous MySAPS App.