UFO AFRINEWS - No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No. 7
Date: January 1993
Publisher: GEMINI
Country: Zimbabwe
Language: English

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, abduction experiences, and investigative techniques within the field of ufology, with a strong focus on cases originating from Southern Africa.

Editorial Comment

Cynthia Hind, the editor, addresses accusations made against her in Cape Town, where she was labeled a government agent. She dismisses these claims as ludicrous and suggests that if the South African government's security system is that poor, it's in a sad state. She also mentions hearing from another South African group that is hesitant to share information with her, fearing she might 'steal their cases.' Hind reflects on similar accusations made against the late Professor Allen Hynek in the USA, who was accused of being a CIA spy while heading Operation Bluebook. She argues that such accusations are unfounded, as information is often publicly available through symposia or can be obtained by joining organizations. Hind asserts that she has been involved in the UFO field for 19 years, has developed a discerning approach to investigations, and respects witness anonymity while offering high-level coverage. She clarifies that there is no monetary reward from major UFO groups like MUFON, CUFOS, or BUFORA.

Key Articles and Reports

STORY OF AN ABDUCTION - Gamida (Case N° 48)

This section details an abduction experience reported by a woman named Gamida. She recounts incidents involving her son, describing a 'gnarled claw' and a 'monk-like figure' that appeared in her bedroom. Gamida describes feeling paralyzed with fear and experiencing vibrations and a trance-like state during encounters. She mentions a click-like sound preceding the appearance of the figure. Her brother, a religious individual, attempted to ward off the entities through prayer. Gamida also reports experiencing physical marks, such as a 'love-bite' and marks on her wrists, which led her to resign from her job and experience a two-year period of unemployment. She notes that she has had further encounters in April and June 1992, including a strange incident with her watch being moved. The family eventually moved homes due to the ongoing incidents.

LITS (Lights in the Sky) IN CAPE TOWN

This section features interviews with witnesses reporting 'Lights in the Sky' (LITS) sightings.

• Interview with Arlene (Case N° 65): Arlene describes seeing a 'squat' triangle-shaped object with a dome on top on the night of March 6, 1992. The object emitted a sharp, clear, silver-white light and was uniform in brightness. She estimated its size to be enormous if it were close. She noted a yellowish twinkling light from a nearby tanker, which was distinct from the object's steady light. Arlene was fascinated and found the experience unusual.
• Interview with Alzanne-Mari and Grant (Case N° 66): This sighting, reported by Pam Puxley, made headlines. Grant first saw the object hanging in the sky near Llandudno. They described it as revolving, saucer-shaped, with a red light on top, a green light on the bottom, and a central white light that flashed. Alzanne commented it resembled a halo. The couple attempted to report the sighting but faced skepticism. The article also discusses potential explanations for LITS, such as the refraction and dispersion of light from celestial objects like Arcturus and Jupiter, and the asteroid Vesta.

THE ART OF INTERVIEWING

Written by Maria Sullivan, this article provides guidance for field investigators on how to interview UFO witnesses and contactees. Key advice includes using tape recorders to ensure accuracy and prevent later disputes, checking equipment beforehand, introducing oneself and the interviewee clearly, and establishing the context of the interview (date, place, people involved). Sullivan stresses the importance of clarity in recordings, asking witnesses to speak at a moderate pace, and repeating important points for confirmation. She also advises on how to handle group interviews, the significance of pictures and sketches, and how to query gestures to get accurate size and distance estimations.

BOOK REVIEW: SECRET LIFE

This review by Prier Wintle discusses David M. Jacobs' book, 'Secret Life: Firsthand accounts of U.F.O. abductions.' The reviewer suggests that the book elevates ufology to a graduate discipline. Jacobs' research, based on therapeutic approaches and hypnosis, identifies five essential stages in the abduction process: the initial taking of the victim, a medical examination (including gynecological procedures for women and sperm sampling for men), the observation of hybrid fetuses in an 'incubatorium,' the potential implantation of fetuses, and a final stage involving the abductee's interaction with hybrid children. The review highlights the 'magical quality' of the alien beings' ability to enter through closed windows and walls, and the psychological effects on the abductee, such as developing a feeling of love towards the alien.

Other Sections

• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: This section likely contains correspondence from readers.
• MYSTERY TRIANGLES OVER LAKE KARIBA (Case N° 67): This indicates a report on a specific sighting or phenomenon related to triangular UFOs over Lake Kariba.
• IN CONCLUSION: This section likely provides concluding remarks from the editor or a summary of the issue's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the methodology of investigating such phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative stance, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies within the field. The editorial by Cynthia Hind suggests a proactive and somewhat defensive posture against accusations, emphasizing her dedication and experience in ufology. The inclusion of detailed interviewing techniques and a critical book review indicates a commitment to rigorous research and analysis within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, dated March 1991 (N° 4), focuses on the phenomenon of 'The Click Sound' in relation to UFO encounters and abductions, as detailed in the cover story "THE CLICK SOUND" by Cynthia Hind. The magazine presents several case studies from South Africa and Zimbabwe, exploring witness testimonies, object descriptions, and potential explanations for these events.

Case N° 63: Loxton, South Africa

This case, occurring on July 31st, 1975, involves Danie van Graan, who was walking to his sheep pen near Loxton, South Africa. He encountered what he initially thought was a caravan but realized was a craft on three tubular legs. The occupants, dressed in shiny white/cream overalls, were short and appeared unaware of him until he was about 3 meters away. They then looked up as if alerted by a magnetic field, and he heard a 'click' sound, after which a shutter opened and he was hit by a beam of light. Pictures of the ground marks left by the craft were taken by the local police.

Case N° 48: Johannesburg, South Africa

This case describes the abduction of a young Asian girl in Johannesburg. Her experiences are characterized as violent, including repeated rape while paralyzed. Her memories are influenced by her Muslim background. She never saw the abductors but witnessed a hooded figure. Prior to the appearance of the hooded figure and an action described as 'blowing in her ear' (a practice to ward off evil in Islam), she heard a 'click' sound, which she identified as 'like a key turning in a lock.' She was certain it was not her own bedroom door. These abductions were ongoing as late as June 1992.

Case N° 50: South Africa

This case involves two women, Patricia and Deirdre, who were abducted while driving. Patricia noticed a light behind them, initially thought to be a car, but then realized it was a single light. Almost immediately, the light traveled towards them at tremendous speed and enveloped the car. Both women recalled a 'click' sound just prior to the bright light. The issue notes that there are many theories about UFOs, including those from other planets or other dimensions, and suggests that the 'click' might be a triggering point for an 'altered state of consciousness' during close encounters.

Commentary on Witness Accounts

The author notes that many witnesses report UFOs on busy highways with no other traffic nearby, questioning this phenomenon. A case from Cape Town (Case 2, UFO AFRINEWS N° 1,2 & 6) is mentioned where a 17-year-old girl and another person saw a rocket-type object as large as a Boeing 747, yet no one else reported it. The author invites readers to share explanations for such selective sightings.

Case N° 49: Jack Jones, South Africa

Jack Jones reported seeing a UFO on his way back from Bloemfontein. He and an apprentice noticed a red glow next to the car. The object was a circular shape with red flames, about 20-25 meters high and 50 meters away. It followed the car at a low speed, maintaining its position. Jones, who had served in the Air Force for over 17 years, was certain the object was controlled by an intelligence. He describes the flames as shimmering, chopping, and changing, not stationary. The object disappeared when the car reached Kroonstad and reappeared later. The author notes that William Corliss' work on 'Low-level Nocturnal Lights' does not fully explain the 'mass of red flames' or the object's behavior, particularly its disappearance and reappearance. The author also expresses concern that such cases are not investigated at a top scientific level, suggesting scientists may be afraid of what they might find.

Case N° 29: Bruce of Harare, Zimbabwe

Bruce reported waking up with sore genitals and a dark scar the next day after an unusual experience. This is presented alongside a quote from Dr. David Jacobs' book 'SECRET LIFE,' which discusses anomalous bruises as a common effect for abductees.

Case N° 67: Mystery Triangles over Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe)

David O'Brien and his wife Jenny, guests on a houseboat on Lake Kariba, observed a triangular object with three lights (one red, two green) rotating over Sanyati Gorge. The object appeared to be geostationary. Later, another identical light, brighter and closer, appeared. David used Orion's Belt as a reference. The object was opaque and low in the sky, with no discernible shape due to darkness.

Case N° 40: Jack van der Merwe, South Africa

Jack van der Merwe recounts several experiences. In 1969, while working night shifts in Durban harbour, he heard a voice telling him to relax and go to a quiet place. He entered a shed and experienced a state of being 'in water,' surrounded by dark figures in flowing garments. This experience, which felt like minutes, actually lasted about two hours, with no one noticing his absence ('missing time'). Later, while lost on Table Mountain, he saw an orange glowing, egg-shaped object that seemed to look at him, and immediately after, the path to safety appeared. The object then disappeared. In another incident, while hitchhiking, he encountered a 'HUGE ant' which he hit with a rock, causing its head to fall off before it vanished. The 'missing time' aspect is highlighted as a common factor in UFO reports.

Other Reports and Snippets

• A report from Ontario, Canada, describes a young lady and her father witnessing a 'craft' near the Great Lakes that emitted a loud cricket-like sound. They also encountered a huge bat-like creature resembling a prehistoric bird.
• A local case from Famona, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, describes Ray Burl and his family observing a roughly rectangular object hovering over their house, emitting rustling and high-pitched sounds. It moved swiftly and disappeared when illuminated by a torch.
• A snippet mentions a young lady in Durban who 'burnt off her hair' in West Street, now wearing a turban.
• Graham Longstaff of South Africa reports his father seeing a strange, steady light over the mountains near Mutare, Zimbabwe, in the mid-seventies. The light remained stationary for about an hour before disappearing. Graham's father confirmed the sighting.
• Stuart Marongwe clarifies a previous report about his brother's sighting of a fast-moving cloud over Njelele, Zimbabwe.
• Marianne Griffiths reports a sighting from mid-1974 near Shabani, Zimbabwe, of a big orange ball following their car, which disappeared upon reaching town.
• A report from Kelly, Kentucky, USA, details a family and friends witnessing creatures about one meter high with glowing eyes, bald heads, and elephant-like ears.

Commentary on 'Missing Time' and Creatures

John Spencer's view that 'Missing Time' should arise spontaneously from the reportee, not be suggested, is mentioned. The article notes that 'monsters' or strange creatures are often allied to UFO experiences, citing the Jack van der Merwe incident and the Kelly, Kentucky case. The author acknowledges that while physical proof is often lacking, the reports come from reliable people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the 'click' sound as a potential precursor to UFO encounters and abductions, the phenomenon of 'missing time,' and the descriptions of various UFO craft and alleged alien beings or creatures. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting numerous witness accounts and encouraging further investigation and discussion, while also acknowledging the lack of definitive scientific explanations and the potential for ridicule faced by witnesses. The editorial stance is one of serious consideration of these phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed case presentations and the commentary from experienced investigators and authors.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, Volume 4, Issue 7, dated July 1993, is published by ENIGMA from South Africa. It focuses on UFO sightings and alien abduction experiences, drawing heavily on research and witness testimony.

Witness Account: Mountain Sighting

The issue begins with an account from witnesses David and Jenny who observed a group of six lights in the mountains. David managed to photograph the lights using a 150mm lens on a Canon AVI camera. Jenny described the first light as shaky and wobbling, followed by a tremendous flash of light moving very quickly from east to west. She felt that the other lights might have been trying to help the first one. The party of eight eventually went to bed, and by 3 a.m., the lights had disappeared.

Commentary on Craft Shape

A brief comment notes the increasing reports of 'triangular' craft as opposed to discoid-shaped UFOs.

Analysis of Abduction Experiences (Based on 'Jacobs')

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to analyzing alien abduction experiences, largely referencing the work of an author named 'Jacobs'.

The Abduction Process

It is suggested that abductions are the result of genetic engineering, as actual intercourse with aliens does not usually take place. Abductees may be asked to hold babies or children who need human contact. The stages of abduction are described as invariable: the event itself, examination, and return. A fourth stage is more varied, sometimes involving forced intercourse supervised by captors, and experiments to gauge pain thresholds. These procedures are carried out clinically and purposefully, with no apparent concern for the abductees' feelings or psychological well-being.

Alien Motivation

The primary alien interest is identified as the human breeding process. While victims are reassured there will be no pain, this is seen as a tactic to calm them for the aliens' purposes. 'Jacobs' is quoted as stating that the aliens express no interest in personal, social, or family relationships, nor in politics, culture, economics, or the complexities of human societies. They do not ask idle questions about human life.

The Return

The fifth stage is the return, where abductees are told to hurry up. Their clothes are put back on, sometimes inside out, to make room for the next person on the 'assembly line'.

Interpreting Abductions

The author questions what to make of these experiences and references 'Jacobs' book, which discusses the effects on abductees' lives and the possibility of future abductions. The question of prevention is raised, with the conclusion that 'painfully little' can be done.

Discussion on Abduction Experience Characteristics

The author raises questions about the state of consciousness during abductions, noting that explicit post-hypnotic suggestions to forget are often given, yet memories vanish immediately upon return. This is attributed to an 'altered' state of consciousness, similar to dreams, drugs, or meditation. It is suggested that investigating these states might offer clues to controlling or mitigating the sense of paralysis and helplessness felt by abductees.

Alien Nature and Human Understanding

Little beings are described as wary of humans due to physical strength. Despite advanced technology and learning capacity, the aliens do not appear to be an intrinsically superior race, lacking creative, intuitive, or aesthetic abilities. The author posits that with sufficient information, humans could understand everything the aliens are doing, which might explain the aliens' secrecy and their tendency to provide misleading or no information.

The Possibility of Takeover

It is pondered that with their technological superiority, the aliens could have easily taken over Earth if they had wanted to. The question is raised whether humans are being exploited to populate other planets, especially considering the existence of 'hybrid babies' manufactured over fifty years.

Cultural Variations in Abduction Accounts

The author expresses disagreement with 'Jacobs' dismissal of Jacques Vallée's suggestion of a connection between fairy tales and abduction narratives. Folklore is described as a dynamic process, and it is argued that 'Jacobs' rejection of this connection is too cavalier. While acknowledging the historical perspective in 'Jacobs' work, the author suggests a psychological approach, referencing C.G. Jung's analyses of mythological characterizations and subjective mental states, might be more productive. It is noted that abductees relate accounts of events they believe happened to them, and these do not always fit the modern American paradigm, similar to how folklore doesn't fit neatly when disconnected from its original context.

European and South American Accounts

Beings reported from Europe are often described as average human size with Nordic features, engaging in similar procedures. Systematic variations are also noted in accounts from South America, the implications of which are unclear.

Personal Travels and Research in South Africa

The author recounts a trip to South Africa in December 1992, where they gave three talks in Johannesburg and Cape Town. They met with individuals involved in ufology, including Ken McKinnon and Graham Longstaff of ENIGMA, and Pam Puxley, Prier Wintle, and Andre Nestel in Cape Town. These contacts provided a wealth of material from taped interviews, which Maria Sullivan is transcribing for a future issue (UFO AFRINEWS N° 8).

Ongoing Research and Case Files

The publication aims to maintain a bi-annual schedule. While not all cases are recent, some date back over the years. The author maintains that there is likely a previously overlooked factor that could unlock the enigma of the UFO syndrome.

Notable Case: Blue Flame and Disappearing Water

A specific case is mentioned of a woman who, after sighting a blue flame, found that 2,000 litres of her swimming pool had disappeared. This case is referenced as appearing in AFRINEWS N° 4.

Further African Encounters

Another man reported a 'wall of flame' between two outcrops in Namibia, which the author wishes to investigate. The author also interviewed two women in Johannesburg who were allegedly abducted in July 1988, describing it as one of the most detailed abduction reports ever recorded in Africa.

Fieldwork and Report Quality

The author emphasizes that by going out into the field, there is no shortage of reports. While many are easily explainable phenomena like meteors and satellites, some are not, and these are the ones that will be focused on in the future.

Forthcoming Conferences

Several upcoming conferences are listed:

• Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigation: Laramie, Wyoming, USA, June 24-26.
• MUFON 1993 Symposium on UFOLOGY: Richmond, Virginia, USA, July 2-4.
• IUN Conference on UFOs: FACT, FRAUD OR FANTASY: Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, August 14-15.
• C.E.R.P.A. UFO Conference: Marseille, France, September 10-12.

Distributors of UFO AFRINEWS Magazines and UFOS-AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS

Contact information is provided for distributors in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are alien abduction experiences, the nature and motivation of alleged alien beings, and the analysis of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed investigation of unexplained phenomena while acknowledging the need for critical analysis and considering various interpretive frameworks, including psychological and folkloric perspectives. There is a clear emphasis on fieldwork and collecting firsthand accounts. The publication aims to present detailed reports and explore the deeper enigmas of the UFO syndrome.