UFO AFRINEWS - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No 8
Date: September 1993

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS is a newsletter dedicated to reporting and investigating UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on cases from Africa. The cover features a stylized map of Africa, a flying saucer, and the publication's title and date.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL," expresses a sense of potential depression in the field of UFO investigation due to general public disinterest and media skepticism. The editor, Cynthia Hind, reflects on past enthusiasm and the challenges of maintaining interest when facing apathy. She recalls a time when she was frequently invited to speak on TV and radio, attracting significant public attention. However, she notes a decline in media coverage, with some newspapers explicitly stating it's no longer their policy to publish UFO stories, and magazines returning articles with polite rejections. The editor observes that while a core group of 'old faithfuls' still attend lectures, the influx of new converts, particularly youth, has diminished. She questions whether this decline is due to economic hardship, public desensitization to repeated stories, or a lack of sensationalism compared to famous cases like Betty Hill or Travis Walton. The editorial concludes by urging dedicated UFO researchers to seriously consider these issues.

Abductions in Africa

GAMIDA Case N° 48

This section provides an addition to a previous story about Gamida, detailing her experiences in 1987. She reported feeling vibrations and entering a hypnotic state where she felt entities touching her and engaging in sexual acts, though she never saw them. She initially believed it was witchcraft, which stopped after seeking spiritualist help. Gamida also described physical examinations, including her jaw being forced open, something being inserted into her ear, and dental checks. She experienced a fluttering sensation in her chest, followed by a lumpectomy, the results of which puzzled her specialist. Her last reported experience was on October 27, 1991, after which she stated she was no longer being raped. Gamida expressed a desire to remain anonymous but felt her experiences could make people more aware and open-minded.

SOUTH AFRICAN ABDUCTION - Case N° 50

This case involves two women from Johannesburg who allegedly experienced an abduction on July 19, 1988. The initial media coverage on M-Net was described as haphazard and missing the significance of the event. The author, Cynthia Hind, managed to interview the women, Debra and Pat, on three occasions. The case is noted as the best abduction case encountered in southern Africa, with the women having no prior interest in UFOs. Their experience is compared to those documented by US ufologists like David Jacobs and Budd Hopkins. The women were rejected by the Witwatersrand Planetarium but later connected with Elizabeth Klarer and the South African UFO Research Society. During the experience, they were working late when a bright light overwhelmed their car. They recall being taken aboard a craft by a woman named Meleelah, who was the Commander. They underwent examinations, including X-rays and blood samples for DNA and RNA, using a knitting-needle-like instrument. The experience is compared to the Barney and Betty Hill abduction case. The women recalled being shown Johannesburg from the craft's windows. A piece of paper with a number was given to them, which Pat later discovered while moving house, but it could not be found when sought. The author believes their story, despite potential inaccuracies due to memory, points to a genuine abduction experience.

Water: Its Significance to UFOs

THE FLICKERING BLUE FLAME AND MISSING WATER. - Case N° 73

This case, from Kommetjie, South Africa, involves Mrs P.L. who, in late November 1991, witnessed a flickering blue flame, about 30cm high, burning in the sand near her pool filter. The flame vanished after about 15 seconds. She also saw a similar flame in a neighbor's window. The next morning, her husband, a builder, discovered that approximately 2000 liters of water had been lost from their swimming pool, despite no signs of a leak. The weather was calm, and the pool filter was functioning correctly. The article notes that this case is typical of 'water loss' phenomena, which have been discussed in previous issues of UFO AFRINEWS, and suggests a connection to untoward events, even without a visible UFO.

Special Report

PING-PONG LIGHTS OVER BROMLEY. - Case N° 71

This report details an experience of Farmer M. Patterson in Bromley, Zimbabwe, on August 1, 1992. His dog barked furiously at what appeared to be a very bright yellow moon. Patterson then observed small, bright yellow lights, like ping-pong balls, bouncing in the air and leaving trails of light. These lights merged into a larger sphere. More lights appeared from different directions, merging into the main sphere. The phenomenon moved southwards and disappeared. The next morning, his crops were unaffected. The author notes that the full moon was on August 12/13th, so the visible moon on August 1st would have been a sliver. A Brazilian Air Force report on 'ping-pong ball' lights with similarities is also mentioned.

Other Sections

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

IN CONCLUSION

This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

UFO CLUBS:/ADVERTISING SECTION;

This section is mentioned in the table of contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO abductions, sightings of unusual aerial phenomena (lights, flames), and the potential significance of water loss in relation to UFOs. The editorial stance, as expressed by Cynthia Hind, is one of concern over the declining public and media interest in UFO investigation, while still maintaining a commitment to pursuing the truth and documenting cases. There is an emphasis on the challenges of maintaining enthusiasm and credibility in the field.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, dated November 1986, focuses on a range of international UFO sightings and experiences, with a special emphasis on cases that may have relevance to an African audience. The magazine presents detailed accounts of alleged abductions, aerial phenomena, and encounters with unidentified objects, drawing from reports across continents.

Linda C. Abduction Case (New York, USA)

The issue highlights a compelling abduction experience of a New York housewife named Linda C., as detailed in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL. The account was brought to light when two security 'policemen,' Dan and Richard, anonymously sent a tape to investigator Budd Hopkins, claiming to have witnessed Linda's abduction in November 1989. They reported seeing a woman float out of a 12th-storey apartment window, ascend into a craft with two small beings, and then disappear into the Hudson River. The experience deeply affected the witnesses, leading to emotional distress for one of them. The report notes that the two security men later harassed Linda, with one attempting to assault her. The case is noted for its similarity to a plot in a well-known American novel, and the article questions the purpose of such a hoax if it were one, given the anonymity of the witnesses and the lack of gain for Linda.

Special Report: UFOs and Africa

The magazine dedicates a section to 'SPECIAL REPORT... SPECIAL REPORT... SPECIAL REPORT...' addressing the concept of UFO AFRINEWS being African in origin. The editor explains that while the focus is typically on African cases, references to international incidents are sometimes necessary for context. The report acknowledges that many African readers may be aware of startling stories from abroad, particularly the USA, and aims to bring these to light. It also notes that some witnesses who previously lived in or had experiences in Africa have since moved abroad, and vice-versa.

South African Cases

Several cases from South Africa are detailed:

Mountain 'Sparkler' Effect in South Africa (Case N° 70, Cape)

In 1978, four witnesses at Pearly Bay observed a very bright, small light moving at incredible speed. After the object disappeared, the mountain where it had been began to 'crackle' as if lit by sparklers, with thin threads of light emanating from it, suggesting a residual static electricity effect.

The Wall of Flame (Case N° 68, Namibia)

In 1970, in the Namib Desert, a group of people at a base camp witnessed a massive wall of flames, as high as the mountains, appearing suddenly and lasting for three to five minutes before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. The phenomenon generated intense heat and caused panic. No physical evidence was found at the site, but the witness later discovered tiny, doll-like footprints near a tool shed.

Silver Disc Frightens Horse (Case N° 72, Transvaal)

In 1948/49, a young girl was riding a horse when it became suddenly frightened. She then saw a large, silver 'Flying Saucer' with little windows hovering above the treetops, emitting a loud hissing sound. The horse refused to move, and the object eventually disappeared.

The 'Worm' in the Sky (Case N° 69, Witwatersrand)

Jack Jones reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, described as a 'worm in the sky,' which was massive in size and emitted thick black smoke from a large hole at its rear. The object was seen by multiple witnesses and moved from west to east, leaving a trail of smoke.

Zimbabwean Cases

More Lights in the Sky (Zimbabwe, Case N° 75)

In April 1992, near Esigodini, several witnesses observed an elliptical object with a dark body and reddish/yellow lights moving at high speed across the sky. The object disappeared behind trees, with one witness describing it as going out like an electric light.

Observation by Marla Sullivan (Harare, Zimbabwe)

In April 1993, a long blue light with a flaming tail effect was seen streaking rapidly across the sky, appearing to grow brighter and longer as it approached before diminishing and vanishing. The phenomenon lasted only a few seconds and was compared to a small comet.

Other International Cases

Colorado, USA (Circa 1930)

A 'curtain of fire' several miles long was observed rising from a mountain crest and turning at right angles at its top, interpreted as a visual demonstration of the Earth's tail.

New Zealand (Case N° 64, Gisborne)

Karen Hardman recounted a childhood experience from August 1969, where she and her brother saw a saucer-shaped object hovering in the sky, accompanied by a bright star-like light. Her mother corroborated that the children saw something unusual.

Technical and Editorial Content

Video Camcorder Tips

Jeff Sainio provided tips for filming UFOs with a camcorder, emphasizing continuous description, inclusion of reference points, setting focus to 'infinity,' and steadying the camera.

The Ufologists' Lament

A poem reflecting on the enduring passion for UFO investigation despite the passage of time and skepticism.

Letters to the Editor

Letters included a query about the Zimbabwean name for UFOs ('CHITUNDU-MSERE-MSERE'), praise for the magazine's content, and thanks for specific articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diversity of UFO phenomena reported globally, the challenges of investigating such cases, and the importance of witness testimony and documentation. The magazine maintains an open, yet critical, stance, presenting various accounts while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the need for careful analysis. The editor's introduction suggests a commitment to exploring UFO phenomena that might be of particular interest to an African readership, even when drawing on international cases for broader context. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS contains correspondence and editorial commentary, focusing on the challenges of UFO reporting and investigation, particularly within the context of Southern Africa. It also includes a directory of UFO clubs, publications, and distributors.

Letters and Editor's Comments

The issue opens with a letter from Daniela Giordano in Palermo, Italy, who mentions inserting an advertisement for the bulletin and a resume of a UFO/crash report on the Botswana border. She also references a report on alleged alien writings by Prof. Valkhoff and notes that while her own financial situation is difficult, she is self-reliant.

Following this is a letter from an 'Anonymous Reader' in Cape Town, South Africa. This reader questions the purpose of the publication's course on UFOs and suggests that humanity is on the verge of nuclear destruction due to internal hatred. The reader claims to be part of a group of observers from other systems who have visited Earth, noting that 'interactors' have long since departed. They express hope for humanity's potential.

The Editor's Comment addresses the anonymous letter, stating a general policy against printing such correspondence due to the lack of accountability. However, the editor uses this particular letter as an example of the 'junk mail' UFO investigators often receive, noting its poor spelling and grammar. The editor sarcastically suggests arranging English lessons for the writer.

In Conclusion: Press Attitudes and UFO Experiences

The editorial section, titled 'IN CONCLUSION', laments the difficulty of reporting UFO experiences in Southern Africa without facing ridicule from the press. It argues that while not every UFO is a craft from Outer Space, reporters from major newspaper groups tend to dismiss such stories with amusement, failing to consider possibilities beyond current human knowledge. The editor also points out that some enthusiastic watchers misidentify celestial objects like stars (e.g., Capella or Rigel) as UFOs, attributing their perceived movement to auto-kinesis, and laments the lack of astronomical knowledge among the public to explain these phenomena.

Challenges in UFO Investigation and Witness Testimony

The article discusses the difficulties faced by UFO witnesses. It notes that approaching institutions like the Planetarium may yield no results if the director does not believe in UFOs. It also mentions that official forms for reporting sightings, such as those possibly sent by an Air Force, are often not followed up on. The author questions whether lack of education or training makes individuals less likely to experience or report unusual phenomena.

The writer shares personal experiences of being interviewed by the media, some of whom are disparaging, while others, despite their job, seem genuinely interested and later share their own unusual experiences. The writer emphasizes the importance of believing witnesses, noting that the look on their faces when they realize they are believed is a rewarding aspect of the job.

Investigator Ethics and Gullibility

A significant portion of the text critiques the methods of some UFO investigators. The author warns against investigators who are 'far too gullible' and readily accept witness accounts without seeking rational explanations. Examples are given of leading questions used by investigators to elicit specific details about aliens or craft features, potentially encouraging witnesses to fabricate or exaggerate their experiences. The author expresses a hope that such investigators improve with age and acknowledges that not all investigators fall into this category.

Future Outlook and Directory

The article concludes with a hopeful note that a government will eventually take a positive stance on UFOs and admit to visitations, regardless of their origin (Outer Space or another Time Continuum). The author expresses a desire to interview a sarcastic, unbelieving interviewer.

The latter part of the magazine issue provides extensive listings:

UFO Clubs: * ENIGMA (Transvaal, South Africa) has amalgamated with SOUTH AFRICAN UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (SAUFORA).

Advertising Section: * AUSTRALIA: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, UFO REPORTER. * DENMARK: UFO CONTACT. * ITALY: UFO RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA.

International Publications: * UNITED KINGDOM: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW. * UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: MUFON UFO JOURNAL, IUR - INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER, JUST CAUSE, ORBITER. * Other Magazines and Newsletters: PERCEPTIONS (USA), FORTEAN TIMES (UK).

Booksellers: * ARCTURUS BOOK SUPPLIES INC (USA) - stocks nearly every UFO book and UFO AFRINEWS. * SPACELINK BOOKS (England) - stocks most UFO books and UFO AFRINEWS. * EXCALIBUR BOOKS (Northern Ireland). * AQUARIAN BOOKS (South Africa) - stocks a wide variety of UFO and esoteric books, including UFO AFRINEWS.

Distributors: * SOUTH AFRICA: Aquarian Book Centre. * UNITED KINGDOM: Lionel Beer (Spacelink Books), Excalibur Books. * UNITED STATES: Arcturus Book Services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the skepticism and dismissal often faced by UFO witnesses and researchers, particularly from the media, and the ethical considerations within UFO investigation. The editorial stance is critical of the press's handling of UFO reports and cautious about overly credulous investigators, while maintaining an underlying belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The publication aims to provide a platform for UFO news and resources, as evidenced by its extensive directory of related organizations and publications.