UFO AFRINEWS - No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: N° 6
Date: July, 1992

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS is a newsletter dedicated to the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on sightings and incidents within Africa. It features a mix of witness reports, ongoing investigations, editorial commentary, and discussions on related topics like crop circles and abduction phenomena.

Editorial: Belief Patterns

The editorial, written by Cynthia Hind, discusses the nature of belief, particularly in controversial subjects like ufology. Hind expresses respect for individuals who question and meticulously check witness accounts, stating that she has never personally seen a UFO despite being an investigator since 1975. She recounts an experience in 1975 involving an 'orange light' observed near Lomagundi Road in Harare, which was initially a subject of local speculation and later identified by Charles Prince Airport as possibly a crop duster's marking flare. Hind reflects that while such experiences might have once influenced her belief system, she now believes 'something is going on that we are not being told about.' She questions the motivations behind potential government secrecy regarding advanced technology, pondering whether UFOs are extraterrestrial or from another time dimension. She also references astronomical locations like the Pleiades and Alpha Centauri as potential origins, citing figures like Billy Meier and Elizabeth Klarer.

Correspondents and Reports

The magazine lists its editors as Cynthia Hind and Maria Sullivan, and details its correspondents across Namibia, South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth), and Zimbabwe (Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare). All correspondence is directed to GEMINI in Mount Pleasant, Harare.

Strange Shapes:

• Case N° 41: Stuart Marongwe, Kwekwe (Zimbabwe): A report from a 19-year-old witness whose brother saw a 'long white cloud' moving silently and fast in 1985 or 1986. The object was described as huge with a definite long shape, not resembling a plane. Stuart also recounts a personal experience from 1976 involving what appeared to be stars bunching up and scattering with a chattering noise, which he later connected to the Pleiades cluster.
• Case N° 42: Audrey Howell, Midrand, Transvaal (South Africa): In late July or early August 1991, Audrey Howell and her husband observed an object in the sky that was rotating randomly and had a shape described as a three-cornered pyramid with a rounded corner, possibly a 'nose cone of a space vehicle.' They considered it might be plastic, a balloon, or a hoax.

LITS - Unexplained Lights in the Sky:

• Case N° 38: Nigel Espi and family, Cape Town (South Africa): On May 14, 1990, Nigel Espi woke to see what appeared to be a falling star that stopped and moved towards his house. The object was described as circular with a row of windows, flashing various colored lights. His family also witnessed it, and it was later advised not to contact the Naval Base at 'Silver Mine' regarding such sightings.
• Case N° 39: Sean Rhategan, Cape Town (South Africa): In February 1988, Sean Rhategan and witnesses saw a 'thing' sweeping over Camps Bay beach. It was described as silver, round, with a hub-cap shape and about 10-12 port-holes, traveling SW to NE at an estimated speed of 1000-2000 kms per hour. Sean also recalls a childhood sighting of a circle, triangle, and other shapes, and notes that on the same night as his 1988 sighting, students hiking in the Cedarberg reported seeing a similar silver object.

Unconfirmed Reports:

• Port Elizabeth, South Africa (May 7, 1992): Two witnesses reported separate sightings of a disc of bright light and a round object flying across the sky at high speed. The Airport Control Room had no record of unusual activity.

Abductions:

• Jenny Randles quote: The noted British UFO investigator is quoted stating that 'The abduction phenomenon appears to be part of a very real, very long and very structured pattern.'
• Alien Descriptions: A description from Hugo Ferreira of a case in RSA mentions aliens as 'completely silver' and moving in a 'strange way,' appearing to glide.

Continuing Investigations:

• Case No. 2 - JS of Cape Town: This ongoing investigation from November/December 1980 has been updated with fresh evidence. The witness, Joe, has provided new details and requested alterations to a previous drawing of the craft, which is described as rocket-like and very large. The report emphasizes the importance of constant contact with witnesses for accuracy.

Sunday Tabloid Stories Relating to Africa:

This section discusses how tabloids sensationalize UFO stories. It highlights an article from THE SUN (April 2, 1991) about wildlife photographer Brenda van der Hoerten, who claimed to have been abducted by aliens and taken to Mars for 12 years, where she was mistreated.

Crashed UFO in Botswana?

A quote from James van Greunen, as relayed by Tony Dodd, suggests that South African Intelligence has retrieved three 'space craft' in the past ten years over the South African Continent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of diverse UFO sightings across Southern Africa, the challenges of identifying unknown aerial phenomena, and the ongoing nature of UFO investigations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Cynthia Hind, is one of cautious skepticism combined with a firm belief that there is a genuine, unexplained phenomenon occurring, possibly involving advanced technology or non-terrestrial origins. The magazine emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and detailed investigation, while also acknowledging the sensationalism often associated with the topic in popular media. There is a clear interest in exploring possibilities beyond conventional explanations, including extraterrestrial origins and interdimensional travel.

AFRINEWS, Volume 1, Issue 5, dated March 1992, is a publication focused on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. This issue, priced at A$25 per year for four issues, delves into a variety of intriguing cases and scientific perspectives.

Brenda's Martian Ordeal

The issue opens with the detailed account of Brenda, who claims to have been abducted by alien beings and taken to Mars. After 12 years of captivity, she was returned to Earth. Brenda described her captors as man-like beings with large football-shaped heads, big round eyes, and no ears or mouths. She recalled being imprisoned in a cell-like room with a clear bubble dome and believed she had a good look at the Martian surface during the craft's landing. After her return in the Kenyan wildlife reserve, she was found by game rangers and hospitalized. At the time of the interview, she was living in Johannesburg, South Africa, trying to reunite with her lost family.

Claude Richelier, a French Ufologist, is quoted as stating that Brenda's facts remained consistent under questioning, calling her story fascinating. She reported a tingling sensation before being seized and finding herself in a metallic room with the described beings.

Martian Descendants in Zaire

A report from THE WEEKLY WORLD NEWS of July 12, 1988, details the discovery of a tribe in the Zaire jungle who claimed to be descendants of 'planetary travellers' from Mars who arrived in 1812. Of the original 25, three were reportedly alive in 1988, aged 176. They told Swedish scientist Dr. Signe Winslof that their spacecraft was hidden nearby. These 'Martians' had adapted to Earth's primitive jungle life but retained their space travel knowledge. The tribe showed evidence of a 'silver crescent-shaped starship' used to escape a virus on Mars. Their descendants numbered 50, and they were described as black and totally human, except for their 'completely white' eyes.

The tribe spoke a 'typical African dialect' among themselves but used Swedish and English with the scientists. They possessed maps of Mars and the solar system but were reluctant to discuss their past. Dr. Winslof planned to return for a full scientific report.

Mars Exploration and Anomalies

Brian Crowley's book 'RETURN TO MARS' is mentioned, referencing a Galileo probe test that reportedly found no signs of intelligent life on Earth and missed structures like the Great Wall of China. The Viking probe's 50,000 pictures of Mars are described as showing a barren planet with features like Valus Maximus and Olympus Mons. Channels suggest past water flow, and it's noted Mars once had an atmosphere similar to Earth's.

In 1977, Mariner produced images of the 'Inca City' in Cydonia, Mars, featuring unusual box-like shapes and a geologically impossible pyramid shape. James Hetch pointed out large pyramid shapes, and the 'Face on Mars' formation, initially attributed to camera lens condensation, was enhanced by computer to reveal eyes and teeth. A second, less preserved face formation may exist in the Utopia region. Crowley's analysis of NASA photos is noted, with recent requests for photos being unsuccessful. Russian probes in 1988 lost one but obtained good pictures, and Phobos sent images showing an object orbiting Mars that shouldn't be there. The section concludes by noting many folklore links on Earth with Mars.

UFO Encounters and Analysis

Case 43: 'Franco': In November 1975, near De Aar, South Africa, Franco experienced a vibrating noise and fell into a trance-like sleep. He dreamed of being on a table, probed on his right side. Upon waking, he found six red dots like burn marks and a faint red line on his side, which took weeks to fade. Franco, a businessman with postgraduate degrees, wishes to remain anonymous. He recalled telling his parents as a child that he came from another planet, a detail noted by abduction authority Budd Hopkins.

Case 44: 'Anne' of Johannesburg: Anne's daughter was invited by a scientist friend to a special assignment in the Nevada Desert. There, she and others allegedly witnessed 16 bell-shaped craft with dancing lights. They were approached by US Air Force officers and taken to an Air Force Base where they were told of elevators going 11 levels underground to craft from other galaxies. They were instructed to keep quiet due to public fear. Anne promised to send a FAX report to Radio 702.

Comments on Anne's Case: The interviewer expresses skepticism about the daughter's inclusion in such a high-level scientific viewing, despite her relationship with the scientist. While not accusing her of lying, the story seems incongruous, especially being warned off by the Air Force only to be taken to a base and shown secrets. The interviewer suggests it might be a hoax perpetrated by the U.S. Air Force, referencing Jacques Vallee's 'Revelations'.

Case 45: 'Johan' of Pretoria: In 1987, during operations in Southern Angola, Johan witnessed a vortex of mist descending like a typhoon or chopper, with swirling mist and lights. He described it as anti-aircraft but unbelievable due to its speed and flashes. Authorities explained it as a chopper, but Johan found this explanation inadequate.

Case 46: Trevor and Stella Decker: In January 1958, returning from their honeymoon near Bloemfontein, South Africa, Trevor and Stella saw a grey/silver object, about the size of a combi (15-seater mini-bus), hovering about 300 meters away. It moved at unbelievable speed. The object was described as an upside-down dessert plate with a distinct light shining through its bodywork. Trevor regrets not reporting it sooner.

Comment on Decker Case: This case is compared to the Fort Beaufort case of 1972, noting the size difference. Speculation arises about robotic control or dimensional origins, and the possibility of sophisticated government experiments.

Alien Descriptions: One description is from Megan Quezet, detailing beings who were 1.7 meters tall, slender, thin, pale, with slanting eyes, long faces, high cheek-bones, and olive-colored skin.

Case 47: 'Rhoda': In 1975, near Johannesburg, Rhoda and a friend observed a very bright light that dimmed to reveal an enormous craft. It moved away at high speed, described as dark grey metal, extremely large, shaped like a flattened cotton-reel, and moving in a flattened spring motion. A thin, perpendicular ray of yellowish-white light was visible at the rear. Rhoda, an artist, drew the object at her friend's urging. Her friend, an ex-RAF pilot, suggested it was a UFO. Rhoda, a skeptical and analytical person, felt no fear, only intense interest, and became convinced UFOs exist.

Abduction Case in South Africa

Two ladies, a mother and daughter, were interviewed on a South African TV program about an abduction experience in July 1988. They initially reported it to the Johannesburg Planetarium but received no follow-up. They were later put in touch with Elizabeth Klarer and a UFO group, where they discussed their experiences. Their story is described as a fascinating account of being taken from their car into a craft, with varying experiences. The report is being prepared for abduction specialists like MUFON and Budd Hopkins. The case is noted as being allied with other famous cases globally, though the witnesses may not have had access to confidential investigator material. The author hopes to publish their full story in a future issue.

Extract from 'Project Becassine' - UFO Contactees

Computer analysis by Denys Breysse of Antony, France, provides statistics on UFO contactees. Witnesses are alone six times out of ten. Male reports are more frequently quoted as 'classical' but less reliable. Female witnesses are more common in 'unexplained' cases. Over half of witnesses are between 10 and 30 years old (mean age 28). Contactees are older, with mean age increasing with the information index. Farmers are frequent witnesses, but less often report being inside a UFO or observing an isolated entity. Abductions (CE4s) are more frequent when the witness is asleep, with attention attracted by noise or phenomenon effects (paralysis, light forms) three times out of ten.

Denys Breysse can be contacted for computer print-outs on UFO information.

Alien Descriptions: A description from the Loxton Case, RSA, by Danie van Graan, describes aliens as small, thin, pale, not robust, with slanting eyes, long faces, high cheek-bones, and a sharp chin.

Letters

Nathan Middledorf, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe: Replies to a query about the Bulawayo Centenary Park Fountain, stating its bottom diameter is roughly 30 feet (10 metres).

W.S. van Heerden, Pretoria, South Africa: Reports an unsettling experience after telephoning a number given for a UFO group, receiving a vague and 'dodgy' reply. He notes that small, ball-like manifestations are not new, referencing 'Dilemma at Fort Beaufort' and Mary Kingsley's sighting. He highlights characteristics like ball-like form, compactness, and seeming explosion/implosion. He provocatively links the appearance of HIV to UFO phenomena, suggesting a 'super-intelligence' behind the virus and a need for 'divine' intervention due to 'TOO MANY HUMANS'. He believes UFOs are part of a larger issue requiring a holistic approach.

Eric Herr, San Diego, California, USA: Reports that a group of 35 scientists and engineers has formed to study UFOs scientifically, purchasing 15 magnetometers. They aim to detect UFOs up to 5 miles away. Herr notes that UFOs often emit powerful magnetic fields, causing compass deflection up to two miles and tripping alarms. The strength of these fields is estimated at one to two million gauss, far exceeding that of airplanes.

The group plans to establish monitoring points globally, with magnetometers already placed in the USA and Marseilles. They intend to add ultrasonic detectors, microwave radiometers, and automated cameras. Scientists involved include Dr. Gerhard Wolter and Dr. Richard Etheridge.

Their letter requests reports of magnetic effects from UFOs, requiring title, date, and page number for verification, with a small payment for confirmed contributions.

Professor T. Auerbach, Switzerland: Comments on Elizabeth Klarer's contact experiences, questioning the plausibility of Akon's home planet being Alpha Centauri due to the unstable orbit of Proxima Centauri in a triple star system. He suggests Akon might be inventing stories. He also expresses suspicion towards Karl Veit and his journal 'UFO NACHRICHTEN' due to their increasingly sectarian nature. The editor notes that while questioning Klarer's contact, he doesn't doubt she had an experience, suggesting her gullibility and the dramatization of events may affect her story.

Crop Circles

AFRINEWS has been asked for evidence of crop circles in southern Africa. These are generally circles depressed into fields, but rectangles and glyphs have also appeared. Dr. Terence Meaden hypothesized vortex air currents, while acknowledging man-made hoaxes. Anyone with information on crop circles in southern Africa is asked to provide location, date, time, size, and photographs.

The Mandelbrot Set

The Mandelbrot Set is mentioned as an icon of 'Chaos' or Fractal Mathematics, unique to the late 20th century.

Propulsion Systems and Physics

Joseph Dormer, Blackpool, England: Discusses a proposed propulsion system, finding it unworkable. He references an ancient Hindu scripture, the Samarangana Sutradhara, which describes a 'mercury engine' with an iron heating apparatus to create a whirlwind for propulsion. Dormer and Arthur Tomlinson favor an electromagnetic system, suggesting that if gravity behaved like the electromagnetic force, such propulsion might be possible. He notes references to an effect 'similar to electricity...not exactly a magnetic field but the force of gravity'. The 'alien' in a previous case reportedly mentioned finding magnetic material not available on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of AFRINEWS consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with scientific inquiry and personal testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various UFO sightings, abduction accounts, and alleged alien encounters with a degree of critical analysis. The magazine encourages reader contributions and highlights ongoing scientific efforts to study UFOs. There is a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and seeking deeper understanding of these phenomena, sometimes linking them to broader societal or even existential concerns, as seen in the letter connecting HIV to UFOs. The publication also acknowledges the potential for hoaxes and the need for verifiable evidence, while still giving credence to witness accounts that appear genuine.

This issue of UFO ENCOUNTER, identified as issue number 44, features a book review and commentary by Prier Wintle on Howard Blum's 1990 book, 'Out There: The Government's Secret Quest for Extraterrestrials'. The review highlights the book's readable and engaging style, noting its focus on the people involved in UFO investigations and the information surrounding them. The price of the reviewed book is listed as US$19.95.

Book Review: 'Out There' by Howard Blum

Prier Wintle begins by commending the book's writing quality, describing it as highly pleasurable and compelling, avoiding the need for extensive persistence often required for UFO literature. He notes that the book might appeal to those who enjoy vivid personal descriptions and discussions of how individuals, including fundamentalist Christians, view UFOs.

However, for seasoned ufologists, the book presents a potentially contentious perspective. Wintle points out that Blum suggests genuine high-level government concern with UFOs only began in December 1986, following a sighting at the Space Surveillance Centre in Cheyenne Mountain, which triggered a 'Flash Alert' for Cinc NORAD. This contradicts the widely accepted historical timeline of U.S. government interest, which began in 1947 with Project Sign, followed by Project Grudge and Project Blue Book. Project Blue Book was officially closed in 1969 after the Condon Report, but the review asserts that covert official interest has remained intense, as evidenced by documents released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Blum's narrative details the formation of a top-secret U.F.O. Working Group in February 1987, comprising seventeen Air Force officers and intelligence agency scientists, headed by a satellite operation expert named Colonel Phillips. Despite denials from the D.I.A., N.S.A., and C.I.A., Blum reportedly provides extensive details about the group's meetings and investigations, which spanned locations across the U.S., including Cheyenne Mountain, the Mojave Desert, Moffett Field Naval Base, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. The review notes that as a reporter, Blum has the ability to investigate without suspicion.

The review criticizes the book for its limited focus on specific UFO cases, mentioning only a radar sighting from Cheyenne Mountain and a brief reference to a policeman in Elmwood being affected by a ray from a UFO. Wintle characterizes the book as being more about the people involved in knowing, wanting to know, or concealing information about UFOs, and about the concepts of Information, Freedom of Information, and Disinformation.

The MJ12 Document and Project Beta

The review delves into the controversial MJ12 document, which appears late in Blum's book. Wintle describes the account of how the document, allegedly on undeveloped Tri-ex 35mm film, came into Jaime Shandera's possession in December 1984. This led to a struggle between skeptic Phil Klass, who sought to prove it bogus, and proponents Bill Moore, Shandera, and Stanton Friedman, who aimed to prove its authenticity. The review highlights the unusual situation where the U.S. government allegedly had no prior knowledge of the document until Phil Klass contacted the F.B.I., prompting an investigation into the potential theft of classified documents. Despite extensive inquiries, no agency or individual would claim the documents were stolen, leading the F.B.I. to conclude they must be forgeries.

The review then discusses Bill Moore's involvement with an informant known as 'the Falcon', who offered assistance in exchange for cooperation. Moore was assigned to infiltrate 'Project Beta', which involved monitoring U.F.O. maneuvers and E.L.F. radio signals over the Coyote Canyon test area. This project was linked to Paul Bennewitz, who believed he was detecting signals used for mind control implants by aliens, based on the experiences of a patient of Dr. Leo Sprinkle. Moore's role was to feed Project Beta 'official' documents about a secret treaty between the U.S. government and aliens, the existence of underground bases, and technology exchange.

Bennewitz eventually succumbed to paranoia and required hospitalization. Moore considered obtaining the MJ12 document as his reward for his cooperation. The review questions the authenticity of this reward, suggesting Moore might have been fed the document, similar to information provided to Bennewitz. Moore's actions in betraying his friend Bennewitz reportedly discredited him within the ufological community.

The review poses critical questions about why the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) was so keen to infiltrate and discredit Project Beta. It questions whether Bennewitz was genuinely recording alien transmissions or inadvertently monitoring secret defense maneuvers.

Disinformation and the Ufological Community

Wintle suggests that AFOSI may have succeeded in discrediting three capable ufological investigators and leading the community astray. He speculates on the motives behind this, questioning if it was a training exercise in spreading disinformation or if there was a more significant reason for authorities to suppress the truth about UFOs. The possibility is raised that the U.F.O. Working Group itself might have been a cover-up, a modern-day Project Blue Book.

The review concludes this section by noting that the very existence of such groups, meeting within the Pentagon, helps to protect the 'true secret' that somebody already knows.

Government Agent's Perspective

A section titled 'GOVERNMENT AGENT:' presents a first-person account, presumably from the magazine's editor or a contributor, addressing accusations of being a government agent. The author, identifying as Zimbabwean, expresses flattered disbelief at being considered important enough to be a spy, humorously questioning the payment and the implication that their collaborators are also agents. The author dismisses the idea, stating that a government agent would not reveal that South Africa and other countries had illegally penetrated foreign space.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The 'CONCLUSION' section reflects on the benefits of editing a UFO newsletter, particularly the exchange of information and opinions from other publications worldwide. The editor shares a sympathetic chord with Sheryl Demichelis, chairperson of 'UFO ENCOUNTER' from Queensland, Australia, who advocates for courage.

The editor acknowledges experiencing moments of disillusionment in the UFO field, such as when a promising case turns out to be a hoax or when facing ridicule. These moments can lead to feelings of loneliness for dedicated researchers. However, the editor finds renewed determination through messages like Demichelis's, emphasizing the importance of courage and conviction.

The editor quotes Demichelis, stating that 'without courage one can easily drown in the sea of negativity that is forever lapping softly at our feet.' The editor then recounts an interview on RADIO 702 in South Africa with John Robbie. While initially discussing UFO incidents, the conversation shifted when the 'strangeness' factor or 'Oz Factor' was mentioned. Robbie expressed skepticism about an alleged incident involving someone handing out wheat cakes. The editor admits to taking a chance by speaking the truth as investigators knew it, which resulted in a loss of confidence from Robbie and the audience.

The issue concludes with a reiteration of Sheryl Demichelis's message, urging readers to stand up for their beliefs, help others, extend friendship, and regularly exercise their courage.

Distributors

A list of distributors for 'UFOs-AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS' is provided for South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including addresses and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes themes of government secrecy, disinformation, and the challenges faced by UFO investigators. The editorial stance appears to support the pursuit of truth, even when it is unpopular or difficult, and champions the courage required to maintain one's convictions in the face of skepticism and potential ridicule. There is a clear critique of official narratives and a suggestion that authorities may actively work to discredit evidence and investigators. The importance of information, freedom of information, and the potential for disinformation are central to the discussion, particularly in relation to the MJ12 document and alleged covert operations.