Elly Warren’s father fears AFP will use covid as ‘excuse’ to stall

Why COVID restrictions could hamper the probe into Melbourne woman Elly Warren’s mysterious death in Mozambique.

The heartbroken father of a young Melbourne woman who died in mysterious circumstances in Mozambique fears Australian Federal Police will use COVID “as an excuse” not to carry out the joint investigation a Victorian coroner has called for.

Paul Warren, whose 20- year-old daughter, Elly, was found dead behind a toilet block in coastal Tofo more than four years ago, wrote to coroner Darren Bracken saying coronavirus restrictions could now get in the way of the death being fully investigated.

In a directions hearing last week for a long-awaited coronial inquest into Ms Warren’s death, Mr Bracken said it was time for a comprehensive, cross-country investigation.

After initially rejoicing at the news, Mr Warren wrote to Mr Bracken to express his ­concerns.

Elly Warren died mysteriously in Tofo, Mozambique in 2016.

“I do feel, with the COVID situation overseas, that the AFP will use this as an excuse not to go in and investigate at this time,” he wrote.

“However, this does not prevent the AFP sending an official mutual assistance request to the Mozambique government for a joint investigation.”

Mutual assistance​ is an avenue for countries to provide and obtain ​formal assistance in criminal investigations.

Elly Warren’s death remains a mystery.

Paul Warren. Picture: Aaron Francis

Ms Warren’s family has sought answers to her 2016 death, with Mr Warren even travelling to Africa to investigate after becoming frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of interest and action by the AFP and a botched investigation by local authorities.

Ms Warren’s mother and stepfather, Nicole and David Caferalla, said they hoped African border restrictions did not hamper efforts.

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