Durban – Five men accused of killing a police officer can apply for bail once they all have legal representation, the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court ruled on Monday.

Mthozi Ngcobo, 25, Khulekani Vilikazi, 20, Lungani Mayiwa, 25, Anele Gumbi, 20, and Siyabonga Hlophe, 22, had been expected to apply for bail on Monday.

Their court-appointed lawyer, however, told the court she could not represent all of them due to a conflict of interest.

It was not explained what this conflict was.

Magistrate Ravi Pillay adjourned the matter to 17 December to allow four of the men to get new legal representation.

They are accused of being involved in the killing of Thabo Mlotshwa, 32, of the police’s national intervention unit, on 15 November.

He was buried in a shallow grave after the murder.