Muhsin Hendricks, a trailblazing openly gay imam, was fatally shot in South Africa.

The murder of the internationally acknowledged gay imam underscores the persistent problems of violence faced by the LGBTQ community in South Africa.

Muhsin Hendricks, recognized as the world’s first openly gay imam, was shot to death on Saturday near Gqeberha, South Africa, according to local police reports.

At the time, Hendricks was in a car with another person when their vehicle was blocked by another car, prompting the attack.

The Eastern Cape police stated that two unknown assailants emerged from the obstructing vehicle, firing several bullets into Hendricks's car.

Authorities reported that the attackers fled the scene after the assault.

The police confirmed that Hendricks, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, was declared dead at the location.

A police spokesperson validated a social media video that seemingly captured the targeted shooting in Bethelsdorp, a suburb of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

The exact circumstances of the murder are still unclear, and the police are investigating while encouraging witnesses to step forward.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) denounced the killing.

Executive Director Julia Ehrt expressed the organization's shock and called on South African authorities to undertake a comprehensive investigation, highlighting concerns that it could be a hate crime.

Hendricks was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, having publicly come out as gay in 1996. He established the Al-Ghurbaah mosque in Wynberg, near Cape Town, to provide a safe space for queer Muslims and marginalized women to practice their faith.

His life and advocacy were featured in the 2022 documentary “The Radical,” where he openly discussed facing threats due to his sexuality and beliefs.

Even with these threats, Hendricks had previously asserted that his dedication to authenticity outweighed his fears.

South Africa is recognized for having one of the highest murder rates globally.

Official police data recorded about 28,000 murders in the year ending February 2024, raising concerns about the safety of LGBTQ individuals in the country, where hate crimes against this community have been an ongoing issue.