Killer behind 2024 bread truck murders locked away for four life terms

Justice has been served for the victims of the gruesome 2024 bread truck murder after the Western Cape High Court sentenced murderer Ayanda Dayi to four life sentences and 102 years imprisonment. Dayi was sentenced following his conviction for the murders of Xolani Gaji and Cebisile Mfundiso, who were executed while delivering bread at a spaza shop in Delft. He was also convicted for the murders of Eric Yaphi and Elvis Thembelani Cwethiso, two other unarmed men who were hijacked and fatally shot in Du Noon.

Acting Judge Mandy Van Leeve of the circuit court sitting in Wynberg Regional Court described Dayi as a danger to the public and said he showed no remorse as he was sentenced on Tuesday. “There has been no acknowledgement of wrongdoing, no insight into the harm caused, and no expression of regret toward the victims or their families,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said. Van Leeve added that the accused has a propensity for violence and a willingness to resort to extreme violence.

The footage of three men in a Sasko bread truck being shot at close range while delivering bread at a spaza shop in Symphony Way, Delft, on 16 May 2024, sent shockwaves across the nation. Dayi’s violent crime spree, however, started on the evening of 24 January 2024 on Usasaza Street, Du Noon. The accused and an unknown man shot Yaphi and Cwethiso and hijacked Cwethiso’s vehicle.

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The police began an investigation, collecting four cartridge casings at the scene, and later found Cwethiso’s vehicle at Gushindoda informal settlement in Delft. The car was locked and required towing, but when the police returned, they found Dayi and his stepson inside with an open firearm on the front seat. The accused escaped after throwing sand at an officer. Forensic analysis linked one bullet from Yaphi and Cwethiso’s murders to the recovered firearm, while Dayi’s fingerprints were found on the vehicle.

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