MambaOnline.com, South Africa’s leading LGBTQ+ online community platform, is gravely concerned that almost six months after the cold-blooded assassination of Cape Town-based Imam Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha, the authorities appear no closer to making an arrest.
Hendricks was gunned down in broad daylight on 15 February 2025 in what appeared to be a targeted ambush by a masked gunman and at least one accomplice, which was captured by a security camera. Hendricks, a proudly out gay religious leader and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith spaces, had previously received death threats.
The Imam’s murder made national and international headlines amid strong suspicion that it was a hate crime, motivated by his identity, unapologetic visibility, and work to create spiritual belonging for LGBTQ+ people. On 17 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the killing, stating on social media that he anticipated that “the perpetrators will be brought to book for this heinous attack.”
However, despite the high-profile nature of the crime and widely circulated footage of the incident, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. In our article about the status of the case, a SAPS spokesperson told MambaOnline that “the investigation into the murder of Muhsin Hendricks is still ongoing,” adding that “there is no new information that can be shared with the media.”
Enquiries to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) have also yielded little response, with officials saying they cannot interfere in the functions of the SAPS or the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The Board of Imam Hendricks’ Al-Ghurbaah Foundation has told MambaOnline that, “All relevant authorities, including SAPS, have remained completely silent about the circumstances surrounding his assassination.”
“It seems unbelievable that there still appear to be no leads in this case,” said Nompilo Gwala, Managing Editor of MambaOnline.com. “The attack and the assailants’ vehicle were caught on video, yet we are no closer to finding justice for Muhsin Hendricks.”
Gwala continued: “Aside from vague responses, the authorities have failed to provide any convincing assurance that this crime is being adequately investigated. If such a high-profile case remains unresolved, what hope is there for ordinary LGBTQ+ South Africans who are victims of violent hate crimes?”
Lack of Urgency Around Hate Crimes Law Implementation
MambaOnline is further troubled by the delayed implementation of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, signed into law by President Ramaphosa in May 2024. More than a year later, the law has yet to come into effect.
A DOJCD spokesperson recently told MambaOnline that the implementation “is dependent on the finalisation of regulations,” and that the department “is in the process of finalising these regulations.”
“While the department continues with its lengthy processes, LGBTQ+ people remain at very real risk of deadly hate crimes,” said Gwala. “As with the investigation into Imam Hendricks’s murder, there seems to be a lack of urgency in valuing LGBTQ+ lives.”
MambaOnline calls on the relevant authorities to ensure a speedy investigation into the Hendricks case, end their silence around the matter and meaningfully engage with the LGBTQ+ community on the steps being taken to ensure that justice is served.
