UFO AFRINEWS - No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No. 5
Date: January 1992

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS is a newsletter dedicated to reporting and investigating unexplained aerial phenomena and UFO sightings primarily within Africa. It features a collection of witness testimonies, case updates, and editorial commentary.

Editorial Comment: Convincing the People

Editor Cynthia Hind reflects on her past approach to public speaking about UFOs, where her primary goal was to convince people of their existence. She describes the frustration of encountering disbelief and a 'brick wall' of resistance from audiences. Hind recounts a specific instance where she felt this barrier so strongly that she stopped her talk. She explains a shift in her strategy, now preferring to speak to groups who are more open-minded, often sponsoring her own talks and charging a small fee to cover costs. She argues that even if people don't believe UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft, they must acknowledge that 'SOMETHING is going on,' whether it be psychological, a recurring dream, hallucination, or a physical reality from space, a parallel universe, or even from within Earth.

Reports and Cases

Editorial Comment: Page 1-3

This section is covered by Cynthia Hind's editorial.

Do Witches Cause Lights in the Sky?: Page 3-5

This report, from Langton M., investigates a sighting by his workmate, Colin, and others during a traditional Nyau dance in June 1991. They observed a white, cigar-shaped light moving at high speed. The following day, a friend of Langton's reported a similar light that flooded his room, originating from a cemetery. The report also mentions a sighting by Gilbert, who saw a greatly increased brilliance and heard shouts of 'Come see, come see!' as a light passed overhead.

Colin later confirmed the sighting with relatives in Murewa and his Grandpa from Kariba, noting that no sound was heard in any instance. The editor, Cynthia Hind, suggests it could have been a UFO.

Travelling Light with Unusual After Effects: Page 6-7

This report comes from George B., who lived in Harare in 1968. While fishing, he and a friend observed a bright white light emerge from over the hills, approaching them. The light became more orange and then red as it passed overhead, changing direction and accelerating away. Later, a giant circle of light, approximately 300 metres in diameter, appeared on the lake, as if lit from underneath. The experience left them dumbfounded.

Unexplained Balls of Light: Page 8-12

This section details several sightings:

• St Augustine Mission, Zimbabwe (1990): Nyasha Dhlinnyo saw a silvery, shining object resembling a 'Flying Saucer' moving above trees and hovering, accompanied by a humming sound. He was afraid and reported it to the Principal, who was unimpressed.
• Harare, Zimbabwe (February 14, 1991): Mrs D.G. observed a large orange ball traveling north, described as fist-sized with rays. She heard a popping sound, and the ball disintegrated into small black pieces.
• Lake Kariba area, Zimbabwe (March 14, 1991): S.T. and her mother and step-father saw several orange lights high in the sky that reappeared and moved level with their car, described as large, like street lights. Tragically, S.T. passed away before she could complete a questionnaire.
• Harare, Zimbabwe (June 14, 1991): Mrs Margaret Barnes saw an intensely blue and red object moving silently and fast, described as 'wobbly' like an inflated balloon. The grass and bushes around her shimmered with blue light. A friend of her grandson's reported seeing the same thing.
• Alexandra Park, Harare, Zimbabwe (June 14, 1991): Richard Lockie, a nine-year-old, saw a bright blue light moving from the south and passing overhead. His grandmother confirmed the description, noting the object was 'quite big and very bright' and made no sound.
• Mazvikadei Dam, Zimbabwe (June 14-16, 1991): Yolanda Craig and her family saw an object like a fireball, about twice the size of a tennis ball, with a small yellow tail, move silently for about 15 metres before dying out. They ruled out fireworks due to the location and trajectory.

New Cases: Page 13

• N° 34 Golf-ball Light in Windhoek, Namibia: A yellow ball of light appeared in a backyard. The next day, a flash lit up a house, and a dog was found smeared with blood. Later, a blue-white ball of light moved through the house, hovering over electronic gadgets and seemingly inspecting them. Only the wife and dog could see this light ball.

Cases Not Previously Reported: Page 14

• Report from John Flanagan of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: John Flanagan, at age 6 in 1954, recalls seeing five or six silver-grey objects shaped like two saucers hovering and spinning on his family's farm. They retreated at high speed towards distant mountains. His father reported the incident, which was published in the Rhodesia Herald.

Continuing Investigations on Cases Reported in previous issues: Page 16

• Case N° 13: Update on Buckmasters Farm Case Zimbabwe: This case, first reported in UFO AFRINEWS Nº 3, involved an object shaped like two shallow elliptical dishes with a greyish metallic hue. The update mentions the witness observed the object hovering, then making a 90° turn and moving towards Chinhoyi. The event occurred in May 1951.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained lights and objects in the African sky, the variety of shapes and behaviors reported, and the impact of these sightings on witnesses. The editorial stance, as articulated by Cynthia Hind, is one of open inquiry and a call for acknowledgment that 'something' significant is occurring, regardless of its ultimate explanation. The magazine aims to document these phenomena objectively, bringing them to the public's attention and encouraging further investigation.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, Volume 4, Issue 4, dated September/October 1956, focuses on UFO investigations and alleged hoaxes, primarily from Africa. The cover headline highlights an "ALMOST FINAL REPORT ON THE BOTSWANA/SOUTH AFRICAN ALLEGED UFO CRASH," indicating a significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to this case.

Case N° 28(C): UFO AFRINEWS 4 Namibia

This section details a sighting in Namibia reported by R.M. Roeis. The witness, Mr. V., died in 1987, but his daughter Hannetjie, who was 12 at the time of the event (making her about 18-19 now), provides testimony. The phenomenon occurred around midnight and was described as a round ball, larger than a motor-bike headlight, with several blinking stars. It was not blue-white but glittered like stars. The object appeared to 'drink' water from a reservoir, and a farmhand guarding sheep reported that the sheep refused to approach the camp where the red light ball was seen. The weather was dry with no clouds, and the event was silent, with even the dogs being unusually quiet. The report notes that the initial impression that the witness was a baby who couldn't provide evidence was incorrect, as Hannetjie remembers the event vividly. Another witness, the sheep-guard, has appeared, corroborating the 'drinking' of water. The issue also references Case N° 27, where Bennie Smit's dam shattered after a similar sighting, and Smit heard a 'whirring sound' before the object passed overhead.

The Engineer and the Alien. Case N° 7 South Africa

This article recounts an interview with 'Henry,' an instrumental engineer, conducted in Great Britain on September 1st, 1991. Henry had previously reported an encounter. He described meeting a stranger who asked for water, and Henry agreed to take him to a stream. Henry's car had to make several turns to navigate the narrow road. The stranger then asked Henry to accompany him into a craft. Inside, Henry observed double seats, windows, and a metallic floor with a patterned, slippery surface. The stranger indicated they came from the stars. Henry was puzzled by the propulsion system, which involved pumps and a liquid not available on Earth, possibly mercury. The stranger explained that the power was produced by the pumps, but they didn't use the pumps directly. The craft's interior was well lit, and the seating material appeared to be grey leather. Henry noted that the windows were square with rounded corners, approximately 90 cm by 60 cm. He also mentioned that the stranger had refused his offer to fetch a local doctor for an injured colleague inside the craft.

A Vintage Case, West Africa

This section recounts an experience of writer Mary Kingsley in 1895 in Niger/Gabon. While bathing at Lake Ncovi, she saw a violet ball of light, the size of a small orange, hover over the beach. Another ball of light appeared, and the two wavered and circled each other. Kingsley followed them in a canoe, and saw one sink into the water, glowing. The local people explained it as an 'Aku' - a devil. The report emphasizes Kingsley's trained observational skills.

UFO Flashbacks

This section presents brief reports from the past:

• Rhodesia (Now Zambia and Zimbabwe): A round, silvery object, described as a flying saucer, was seen hovering north of Ndola on July 3rd. It moved slightly and then faded. Other railway workers and employees of Harry S Hopkins and Co also saw the object. The Met Office stated it couldn't have been a daily balloon. An aerial survey of the Northern Rhodesia Copperbelt on August 9th involved a bright, flickering UFO that sped through the darkness, hovering and darting above Ndola, Kitwe, Chingola, and Bancroft. No flights were scheduled, and it was not a meteorological balloon.
• South Africa: Mrs Elizabeth Klarer of Johannesburg photographed a saucer on July 24th. She saw a vivid flash, followed by an object that hovered and weaved. The object was dull metallic grey, shining silvery when lit by the sun, and surrounded by a shimmering heat haze. No sound was heard.

Almost Final Report on the Botswana/South African Alleged UFO Crash

This extensive section details the investigation into Case N° 21, involving James van Greunen. The author expresses skepticism and presents evidence of inconsistencies and potential fraud. The report notes that the case has generated significant interest but lacks concrete evidence of timing (possibly 1988 or 1989). The author questions whether UFO investigators are too gullible. A letter from a friend of van Greunen defends him, accusing the author of "irresponsible... and unprofessional piece of journalism" and "ad hominim abusive attack." However, the author counters by detailing van Greunen's alleged fraudulent behavior, including a bounced cheque, money illegally collected, and a story about being executed by the South African Air Force, which his wife initially confirmed but later retracted. Michael Hesemann reports that van Greunen eventually admitted the story was a hoax, naming sources for his fabricated information. The report also mentions van Greunen's alleged involvement in charging people for talks and not delivering. The author concludes that van Greunen is clever but has been misled and hoodwinked.

Letters to the Editor

• From the Russian Ufology Research Center: This entity, fluent in Russian and Ukrainian, reviews UFO phenomena-related news from the Soviet Union. Their purpose is to study current trends in Russian ufology and to alert ufologists to the "dangerous proliferation of 'tabloid ufology'" which harms serious research. They aim to promote serious understanding of developing Russian ufology.
• From Langton M. (Banket, Zimbabwe): A 25-year-old Zimbabwean clerk expresses interest in UFOs after reading 'UFOS-AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS.' Being religious and Catholic, he is concerned about the existence of other races and their visitations, finding a harmonious living within mankind, as suggested in the book, aligns with biblical teachings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO reports. There is a strong emphasis on corroborating evidence, witness reliability, and debunking potential hoaxes. The author is particularly skeptical of claims lacking concrete proof and actively seeks to expose fraudulent activities within the UFO community, as demonstrated by the detailed investigation into the James van Greunen case. The significance of water in UFO phenomena is highlighted as a recurring and puzzling aspect. The publication also serves as a platform for readers to share information and contribute to ongoing research, while also cautioning against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of UFO Afrinews, identified as issue number 2 and referencing an October 1989 date, focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly as reported from or relevant to Africa. The content is primarily composed of letters from readers and correspondents, alongside commentary and analysis from the publication's editors or contributors. The magazine appears to be a platform for discussing UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and related theories, with a strong emphasis on case studies and witness accounts.

Letters and Correspondence

Langton Machekwa's Perspective

Langton Machekwa, a reader from Africa, expresses his interest in UFOs and the challenges of UFO reporting on the continent. He notes the lack of communication between humans and alleged alien visitors, suggesting that humanity may only realize its mistakes too late. Machekwa recalls the 1989 Voronezh visitation in the Soviet Union as a significant event that sparked his interest. He highlights that Africa experiences numerous sightings, far more than are reported, due to widespread illiteracy which leads to superstition. Witnesses often panic and fail to observe or report sightings accurately. He also points out a lack of cooperation between sophisticated farmers and their laborers, which can further hinder reporting when sightings involve both.

Machekwa offers his own thoughts on a UFO sighting after reading the publication's book and expresses a desire to contribute to UFO Awareness Campaigns in African countries. He mentions that his letter has been answered personally and refers to his report on witches and lights in the sky on page 3.

P. Wintle of Cape Town on the Botswana/Kalahari UFO Crash

P. Wintle of Cape Town writes, agreeing that the Botswana/Kalahari UFO crash story is far from over. He suggests that attempts to simply refute the story might miss the essential point, possibly indicating a deliberate 'trap' or disinformation. Wintle compares the situation to the Maury Island case, noting how callers claimed to know everything about the witnesses and their accounts. He views the Botswana case, with van Greunen and his documents, as part of UFO mythology. Wintle intended to document each development of the saga without drawing conclusions, acknowledging that this approach might lead to it being labeled a hoax, similar to how the Condon Committee dismissed the UFO subject.

Wintle also comments on a letter from a friend of van Greunen, finding the individual's behavior to fit a 'mythologic picture.' He questions how someone could threaten legal action for using their name while simultaneously writing to Grattan Guiness for action. However, Wintle notes that the contents of the letter do support Tony Dodd's assertion that rumors circulated within the South African Defence Force (SADF) about the South African Air Force (SAAF) having downed a UFO. This claim was not confirmed by David Powell, who had access to high-ranking SAAF personnel.

Analysis of the van Greunen Case

Continuing his thoughts, Wintle questions how many other interviewees might have misled the writer. He references the biblical saying 'many are called but few are chosen,' suggesting van Greunen might be one of the 'chosen' for a specific purpose. Wintle describes van Greunen as charming, both in person and on the phone, and believes he was deliberately chosen to disseminate disinformation, rather than fabricating the entire story himself. While acknowledging that something likely happened, possibly the crash of a secret missile, Wintle does not rule out secret agreements with aliens. He remains open to the possibility, despite the inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the case, and does not take van Greunen's 'confession' of a hoax at face value, seeing it as fitting into the broader narrative.

The Maury Island Case

A section details the Maury Island incident, described as a 'reportedly a hoax.' In June 1947, Harold Dahl and his 15-year-old son were boating near Maury Island, Washington, with two crewmen. They witnessed six doughnut-shaped UFOs, and one UFO reportedly dropped slag-type material, killing the boy's dog and injuring his arm. Dahl reported the incident to his superior, Fred Crisman, who collected residue. An Air Force plane transporting samples of the slag crashed, killing the pilots. Later, Dahl and Crisman confessed to a hoax, though some ufologists still believe the case was real. Wintle suggests that the two men might have been pressured into admitting a hoax by government agents aware of the 'slag' being 'nuclear waste,' or that they were intentionally spreading disinformation to divert attention from the truth. He proposes contacting Harold Dahl's son to verify the story.

Final Comment and Global UFO Network

The Inner Circle of UFO Expertise

The author reflects on the benefits of being part of the 'inner circle of UFO expertise,' which provides access to numerous contacts, letters, telephone calls, and literature from around the world. The author makes a point of traveling in southern Africa to give talks about UFOs.

Access to Global Information

If the author relied solely on information from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zaire, their knowledge would be limited. However, because UFO Afrinews is distributed internationally, and copies are sent to other magazine editors, the author gains access to publications from around the world. This network includes publications like VUFORS, UFO Encounter (Australia), Orbiter, International UFO News Bulletin, MUFON UFO Journal, Just Cause, International UFO Reporter (USA), BUFORA Magazine, Flying Saucer Review, Northern News (UK), Brazilian publications, and others from Argentina, Sweden, France, and Denmark. This broad access allows the author to inform groups about global UFO activity.

Correspondence and its Value

The author emphasizes the importance of correspondence, despite the enormous volume of mail received (around 50 letters per week). While acknowledging the challenge of keeping up with it, even with secretarial assistance, the author states they would be lost without it. New cases are revealed and investigated, new people are met, and interesting discussions take place, leading to the formation of many friendships. The author expresses gratitude to those who have kept in touch over the years, acknowledging that they have taught the author a great deal, and even critics have contributed to a widening understanding of UFOs.

Specific Case Details and Observations

Water and UFO Entities

Paul Norman of VUFORS in Australia is conducting a study on why UFO entities seem to show a strong interest in water. The author had not previously considered this but recalls cases where aliens asked for water or took it from dams and storage tanks without permission. The author has shared some of these cases with Paul Norman.

The Kalahari UFO Crash and Jerome Clark

Jerome Clark, a Consulting Editor for FATE Magazine, was the first writer to provide an honest assessment of the alleged Kalahari UFO crash on the Botswana/South African border. The author, having been involved in the case shortly after its inception, wrote to FATE to add further details that had come to light.

John Keel on Ground Holes

In the September 1991 issue of FATE Magazine, John Keel wrote about large holes appearing in the ground with no sign of removed soil. Keel noted that these holes sometimes appear so smooth and perfect that they seem to have been dug by a large machine.

Rosmead, South Africa Incident

The author recounts a strange case in Rosmead, South Africa, near Middelburg in the Cape. This incident involved an unidentified object landing on a new tennis court, ruining its surface. Nearby, Harold Truter, a headmaster, had been trying to remove a large stone protruding from the ground that had caused injuries to children. The stone was too heavy to remove. The morning after the object appeared on the court, the stone was gone. The hole left behind had smooth sides, suggesting the stone was lifted out by suction, with no disturbance to the surrounding earth.

Letters (continued)

Gunter Hofer from Harare

Gunter Hofer writes regarding an extension of the La Rochelle sighting (Case 6 in UFO Afrinews 2), specifically about a sawmill in Mutare where a motor broke down after a flash of light. Hofer suggests this could be due to a strong current induced in the wiring, melting the solder and damaging the motor. He explains that strong electromagnetic impulses can induce powerful currents on wires or metal objects acting as aerials, and these impulses can be produced by powerful transmitters, nuclear bombs, or sunspots. Hofer notes that military equipment is shielded to protect against such effects, especially in case of nuclear war. He hypothesizes that the sawmill motors might not have been affected due to the building being made of zinc sheeting or having metal frames and pillars that could conduct the induced current to the earth, thus preventing damage.

New Books

• The issue lists several new books available:
• "The Definitive Casebook" by John Spencer (published by Hamlyn, 1991, £14.99)
• "UFO Crash at Roswell" by Kevin Randle & Donald Schmitt (published by Avon Books, New York, 1991, Paper-back)
• "The Watchers" by Raymond Fowler (published by Bantam Books, New York, 1990, Paper-back)
• "Alien Liaison" by Timothy Good (published by Random Century Ltd., 1991, £14.99)

It also provides distribution information for "UFO African Encounters" in the UK and USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of UFO investigation and reporting, particularly in Africa, with a focus on illiteracy, superstition, and potential disinformation campaigns. The publication seems to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various cases and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, while also acknowledging the importance of global information networks and personal correspondence in advancing the field of UFO research. The editorial approach appears to be one of encouraging detailed reporting, critical analysis, and the sharing of information among a community of interested individuals.