JJ Peters (25) has been charged with the murder of his grandmother, Susanna Kilmister (68). Peters was arrested shortly after the incident and allegedly confessed to committing the crime.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said that during his first appearance last week, Peters elected to conduct his own defence. During his second appearance yesterday, he changed his mind and elected to use the services of Legal Aid South Africa.

His formal bail application, that was supposed to take place yesterday, has been postponed until next week so his newly appointed lawyer can represent him.

It is alleged that on February 28, the accused and the victim had had a heated argument, which led to Peters assaulting the victim, causing her death.

Peters is facing charges of murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice. He had been residing with Kilmister at Cromdale Farm outside Mbombela.