Unknown Persons Set South Africa’s First Gay-Friendly Mosque On Fire

South Africa's controversial first gay-friendly mosque, which also grants access to Christian worshippers and women to lead prayers, was last night set on fire, the police said today (Saturday).

Police have opened an arson inquiry into the fire that occurred shortly after midnight and damaged the front door of the mosque in Cape Town. No arrests have however, been made neither is there any report of injury sustained by anyone.

"This a deliberate arson attack," the founder, Muslim academic Taj Hargey told AFP.

"They used petrol and oil," he said adding close circuit television video footage showed that unidentified people had made several reconnaissance trips to the mosque two hours before the attack.

Andre Traut, police spokesman for the city, said they "are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire."

The mosque, which welcomes gay people, Christians, and treats men and women equally, was opened in September in Cape Town last amid threats of violence and opposition.