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‘Leave or return in a coffin’: The threat driving migrants out of South Africa
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 29, 2026
· 7 min read
By Nimi Princewill, CNN
(CNN) — For months, anti-migrant rhetoric had been building across South Africa. Then it reached Kaunga Nyirenda’s doorstep.
In early June, two men gave the Malawian gardener, who lives in a Johannesburg suburb, a chilling ultimatum: leave now or face death.
“They as...
Key takeaway If you don’t leave now, you’re going to leave in a coffin because we don’t need anyone after 30th of June,’” he said of the ultimatum.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The situation in South Africa has significant implications for El Paso , given the city's own experiences with migrant communities and anti-immigrant sentiment. As a border city, El Paso has long been a hub for migrants and refugees, and its residents are likely to be concerned about the safety and well-being of foreign nationals in other parts of the world. The surge in anti-immigrant violence in South Africa may also raise questions about the potential for similar tensions to arise in El Paso, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about border security and immigration policy. Furthermore, the city's strong ties to international trade and commerce may be affected by the instability and unrest in South Africa, highlighting the need for local leaders to monitor the situation closely and consider its potential impacts on the local economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Nimi Princewill, CNN
(CNN) — For months, anti-migrant rhetoric had been building across South Africa. Then it reached Kaunga Nyirenda’s doorstep.
In early June, two men gave the Malawian gardener, who lives in a Johannesburg suburb, a chilling ultimatum: leave now or face death.
“They as...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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