Man charged with murder after 78yo woman's body found

A man charged with murdering a woman whose body was found at a home in Perth's south has appeared in court.

Andre Lafayette Drane, 54, appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday over the death of a 78-year-old woman, who is reported to be his mother.

Her body was found on Monday in a Yangebup property, 24km south of the city centre, Western Australian police said.

Detectives believe Drane murdered his mother between Saturday and Monday.

Premier Roger Cook said it was a complex and traumatic situation.

"I'm very pleased that police are on the ground to make sure that they can reassure other members of the public in that area that they are not under any extra danger," he said.

Drane was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on May 29.