Monday, 17 February 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the brutal murder of Imam Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha on Saturday. This senseless killing of Imam Hendricks, known as the first openly gay Imam, exposes the vile cruelty and brutality that sexual minorities are facing daily in South Africa.

Imam Hendricks was a beloved activist for the LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Muslim community, and led programmes to help Muslims with their sexuality and strengthen their faith in Islam. 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. He founded the Inner Circle, South Africa’s first queer mosque, that provided religious services, such as prayers, studying the Quran and Hadiths, but also psychological and spiritual support to those who have been ostracised or persecuted by their own communities.

Additionally, he founded the Al-Ghurbaah foundation with the purpose of creating a platform to provide a support network for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ Muslims to come to terms with their sexuality and faith. This gathered a lot of hate from the overall Muslim community, particularly the Muslim Judicial Council, as they did not believe this was in line with their faith. He faced excessive discrimination and persecution— not only for his sexuality but also for his stance and support for the marginalised. Yet, he remained committed, driven by an incredible sense of duty to fight for justice and equality, no matter the cost.

We, therefore, call on the Minister of Police to prioritise this case and for justice to be served for Imam Hendricks. How much longer must sexual minorities and communities face such reckless hate, discrimination and death before these cases are prioritised and the normalisation of condemning such heinous acts of evil and violence?

The EFF additionally calls on the police to take extra care and measures to arrest the perpetrators, and any involved in the planning and murder of Imam Hendricks, if not we as a nation risk the lives of many people in Gqeberha, but also nationwide. Is South Africa truly a nation that allows hate and violence to thrive while goodness and justice have become a secondary concern? If the police do not arrest these murderers, it will further embolden criminals in South Africa and our nation has suffered enough!

Indeed South Africa has lost a human rights champion, who showed bravery and courage in the ugly face of hate and homophobia, and may Allah grant him peace and mercy. The EFF passes our sincere condolences to Imam Hendricks’ family, and also to the Muslim community and all those he passionately supported and fought for. 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.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572