Melbourne woman Elly Warren raped and murdered in ‘dangerous’ Mozambique
A YOUNG Melbourne woman found dead in a Mozambique toilet block had expressed reservations about the “dangerous” area.
A YOUNG Melbourne woman found dead in a Mozambique toilet block had expressed reservations about visiting the “dangerous” area days earlier.
Elly Rose Warren, 20, was allegedly raped and murdered while on a beachside African holiday.
The young adventurer was reportedly snatched while returning alone to her beachfront backpackers accommodation from a party in Mozambique on Wednesday.
She had booked two nights accommodation at the Wuyani Pariango backpackers on Tofo bay, but according to the Daily Mail Australia, hostel staff said she never slept there after dropping off her bags and leaving to meet a friend.
Her grieving father, who was expecting to see his daughter on Monday when she was due to return to her home in Melbourne’s southeast, was devastated to learn he had seen her for the last time.
Paul Warren told Seven News his daughter had told him she was concerned for her safety before heading off on her diving trip.
“She even told me ‘it’s dangerous, Dad, I don’t know if I should be going over there’,” he said through tears.
“And I said to her, ‘Yes, it is very dangerous.’”
Mr Warren said he was desperate for the “bastards” that killed his daughter to be brought to justice.
“I just hope they catch the bastards,” he told AAP.
“They’ve got to do something.”
Ms Warren was on a diving trip in Mozambique, and had an interest in marine life in the ocean. She was about start a marine biology degree in Townsville.
Tributes to the adventurous young woman have poured in on social media.
“She had such a beautiful heart that wanted to travel the world diving all the waters, exploring caves and swimming with all different fish,” her boyfriend Luke Tempany said.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mr Warren called for prayers for his daughter.
“I would just like everyone to pray for Elly right now,” he wrote.
“She is at peace with Sam our dog who she grew up with and loved dearly. Thank all for your thoughts and well wishes. Elly touched us all in some special way.”
Mr Warren said funeral arrangements would take “some time” due to the remote location where Elly was killed, and an investigation and autopsy which could take up to two weeks.
“I will be going over there in a few days to bring my baby back home,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is providing assistance to the family.
— With AAP