Winnipeg Police say a convicted sex offender considered a high risk to re-offend has been released from prison and is expected to live in the city. Marinus Willemse, 59, was released from Milner Ridge Correctional Centre on Thursday after serving an eight-month sentence for breach of recognizance. He has previously been convicted on multiple charges, including sexual assault with a weapon, abduction of a person under 14 years of age, and assault. “Willemse has served three federal penitentiary sentences,” the notification reads. “He has been arrested within approximately one month after every release.” Willemse is subject to a lifetime prohibition from attending parks, public swimming areas, playgrounds, day care centres and community centres where people under the age of 14 years are present or can reasonably be expected to be present. The release from police says Willemse has participated in some treatment programming in the past but is still considered a high risk to re-offend in a sexual or sexually violent manner against women and all children, both boys and girls. Police have provided information to allow the community to take measures to protect themselves, but warn any form of vigilante activity towards Willemse will not be tolerated. Anyone with information is advised to call police at 204-986-6222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
