In response to the shooting of LGBTQIA+ activist Muhsin Hendricks in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, the EFF has joined calls for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to prioritise the arrest of his murderers.
Hendricks was the first openly gay imam in history. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive for Hendricks’ murder.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said in a media statement on Monday that Hendricks’ murder highlights the heinous violence and cruelty that South African sexual minorities must endure on a daily basis.
Hate from Muslim community
“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,” Thambo said.
“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 and studying the Quran and Hadiths, but also psychological and spiritual support to those who have been ostracised or persecuted by their own communities.”
Thambo continued: “This gathered a lot of hate from the overall Muslim community, particularly the Muslim Judicial Council [MJC], as they did not believe this was in line with their faith.
“We therefore call on the minister of police to prioritise this case and justice to be served for Imam Hendricks.
“The EFF additionally calls on the police to take extra care and measures to arrest the perpetrators and anyone involved in the planning and murder of Imam Hendricks; if not, we, as a nation, risk the lives of many people in Gqeberha and nationwide.”
MJC urges for impartial investigation
The MJC expressed its “deep concern” and “shock” over Hendricks’ murder.
“The MJC calls upon the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into this matter, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable through due process,” the council said.
Kgalalelo Masibi, a spokesman for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, said it recognises Hendricks’ ongoing activism through his work with interfaith communities worldwide and his own studies on Islam and sexual diversity.
Masibi said: “The department calls for continued efforts in upholding our constitutional values and ensuring a society where no one is unfairly discriminated against directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, and birth.”
