A 39-year-old woman who is accused of assaulting her 12-year-old niece made her first appearance in the Katutura Magistrate's Court today (Wednesday).

Maria Johannes was denied bail, and her case was postponed to the 27th of next month for further investigations.

It is alleged that Johannes has been assaulting her niece since last October.

She faces six counts that include assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm when, at various points, she reportedly hit the minor with an empty beer bottle, cut her finger and neck with a knife, poured hot water over the minor's forehead, and hit her with a baton across the leg.

The accused is further charged with malicious damage to property after she tore clothes and a bag belonging to the minor.

Johannes chose to conduct her own defense.

She remains in custody at the Klein Windhoek police station.