The father of a Melbourne woman who died in Mozambique last month says an autopsy conducted in South Africa shows that his daughter died a violent death.
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The body of 20-year-old Mordialloc woman Elly Warren was found by local fishermen near a locked toilet block in the tourist town of Tofo in early November.
There had been speculation in some media outlets that she had been raped and murdered after her body was found in the sand with her underwear below her knees.
Local police, however, told Fairfax Media their initial investigations did not point to foul play.
Mozambique authorities said their preliminary report found Ms Warren had collapsed face down and died of asphyxiation.
She had just finished a stint volunteering with eco-education company Africa Underwater and was due to fly home the week her body was found.
An autopsy directed by prominent Johannesburg pathologist Dr Patricia Klepp found no signs of rape or sexual assault, Mr Warren confirmed.
News Corp have reported the autopsy found sand in Ms Warren's lungs, a full bladder and no trace of drugs.
Mr Warren confirmed that the autopsy showed bruising and abrasions around his daughter's mouth and a large amount of sand in her left and right bronchi, which he believes is consistent with being held down.
Mr Warren said he disagreed with most of a report in The Weekend Australian, which said the South African autopsy appeared to indicate his daughter had not died a violent death.
"I total [sic] agree with the autopsy from South Africa/Johannesburg," Mr Warren posted on Facebook.
"As much as it pains me to say this, Elly died a violent death."
The Australian Federal Police has said the investigation is the responsibility of the Mozambique authorities.
Another autopsy has been conducted in Victoria, with results expected to be released in January.
