Inquest to be held into suspicious death of Melbourne woman in Tofo, Mozambique – Watch

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Inquest to be held into suspicious death of Melbourne woman in Tofo, Mozambique – Watch

5:41 CAT | 17 Dec 2020

The death of a Melbourne woman in Mozambique more than four years ago will be investigated in a coronial inquest, with no charges ever laid despite years of campaigning by her grieving father.

The 20-year old, who had hopes of being a marine biologist, was found dead by fishermen behind a toilet block in the coastal town Tofo on November 9 that year.

Paulw.aus_ — *Paul Warren wants answers about his daughter’s untimely death in 2016. (Nine)*

“I have asked the coroner today to take it to the next level, we need the Australian authorities to diplomatically demand that we receive the investigation file,” her father Paul Warren said.

Ms Warren died from asphyxia according to several forensic examinations, with abrasions found on her neck, bruising on her mouth and her lungs filled with sand. There were no drugs in her system.

Today, Victorian Coroner Darren Bracken decided an inquest would be held into the death of the Mordialloc woman, who was just two days away from returning home when she died.

Ms Warren’s father Paul has long campaigned for an inquest, and has spent tens of thousands of his family’s own money looking into what he believes has been a cover up, fuelled by the fact local police in the African nation have not handed over the investigation file to Australian authorities.

“There’s been no response from the Mozambique authorities whatsoever,” he said.

“Why aren’t they giving it to us? What’s the reason for it?”

The grieving father is hopeful the inquest will provide some answers as to what happened to his beloved daughter.

“I think we will get to the bottom of it. I’m very happy with Mr Bracken looking after the proceedings, due to the fact that he has the experience.”

“I miss her so much because, we just got along so well together you know?” he said.

Mr Warren has alleged he has proof local authorities in Mozambique butchered the homicide investigation, and there were issues domestically with Australian authorities.

“I’ve got the facts they covered it up … there were a lot of issues with the AFP (Australian Federal Police) – they had a lot of evidence early on that was never passed on to the coroner.”

The father is also urging the government to set up a support agency for families of Australians murdered overseas with the support of Bill Shorten.

He said it is vital when crimes have been committed in developing countries with different legal systems, that can be difficult to navigate.

“The prime minister needs to get involved, his department needs to get involved.”

A date for the inquest will be set in February.

By Carly Waters

Source: 9News Melbourne