The looming ultimatum, fiercely promoted by local anti-migrant groups, follows weeks of volatile protests, targeted intimidation, and severe violence against foreign nationals.

The unrest has already turned fatal, with at least three people—two Mozambicans and one Malawian—confirmed killed, leaving migrant communities in absolute fear for their lives.

The escalating security crisis is forcing even legally documented migrants to abandon their livelihoods.

One documented resident decided to flee after receiving repeated death threats from neighbors who warned that community members would kill migrants the moment the deadline arrived.

"That's why today I decided to join our brothers and go home," he told Africa News.

For many, escaping the hostility has forced heartbreaking personal sacrifices.

Another fleeing migrant revealed he was forced to leave his children behind with his Zulu wife after she told him she could no longer support them on her own.

As panic spreads, a coalition of African governments has launched emergency interventions.

Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have rapidly organized voluntary repatriation efforts, successfully evacuating thousands of citizens back to their home countries.

South African authorities have strictly condemned the xenophobic violence and pledged a heightened security deployment to monitor upcoming anti-migrant marches.

Law enforcement officials warned that anyone attempting to incite further violence or take the law into their own hands will face immediate arrest.