Muhsin Hendricks, thought to be the world’s first openly gay imam, was killed in a drive-by shooting in South Africa.

The cleric, who ran a mosque intended as a safe haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims, was travelling in a car when he was ambushed on Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha.

“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots…” the Eastern Cape force said in a statement.

“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”

Mr Hendricks was killed after he had reportedly officiated at a lesbian wedding, although this has not been officially confirmed.

CCTV footage showed a car blocking the exit of the vehicle in which Mr Hendricks was a passenger. Two masked assailants then jumped out, and one fired multiple shots into the back seat of the other vehicle.

Police confirmed the video showed the targeted killing in Bethelsdorp near Gqeberha​, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.