In South Africa, an imam who openly identified as gay has been shot dead.

The statement indicates that around 10 AM on Saturday, Hendricks and the driver were in a golden VW T-Roc in Hayley Place when a silver two-door Hilux stopped in front of them, blocking their ability to leave.

Two unidentified suspects with covered faces exited the vehicle and opened fire on the car containing Hendricks.

Video footage captured by surveillance cameras, allegedly showing the shooting incident, has spread widely on social media. CNN has not conducted an independent verification of the video, and the police stated they cannot disclose information as an investigation is ongoing.

According to CNN, Hendricks was "the first imam in the world to come out as gay" in 1996. The publication references a statement released on Saturday by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA World).

"The ILGA World family is deeply shocked by the news of the murder of Muhsin Hendricks and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate what we fear may be a hate crime," said Julia Ert, Executive Director of ILGA World.