UFO AFRINEWS - No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No 10
Date: August 1994
Publisher: UFO AFRINEWS
Country of Publication: Zimbabwe
Language: English

Editorial Stance

The editorial, titled "Who is right and who is wrong?", reflects on the diverse approaches within UFO investigation. The editor acknowledges the value of scientific skepticism, citing figures like Phil Klass, but also notes the difficulty in dismissing witness testimony, even for phenomena like alleged abductions. The piece questions the line between reality and subconscious influence, particularly in regressive hypnosis. It suggests that while absolute proof is elusive, compelling evidence from reliable sources should be considered, even if it challenges conventional understanding. The editor expresses a personal need for proof of beings from other dimensions but acknowledges that credible witnesses have seen inexplicable artifacts.

Key Articles and Reports

Crop Circles in Botswana?

This section addresses the phenomenon of crop circles, which UFO AFRINEWS had not previously commented on due to a lack of clear connection to UFOs. It explains that crop circles appeared overnight, often in perfect circular shapes with bent crops, sometimes featuring glyphs. While meteorologist Dr. Terence Meaden proposed wind vortices as the cause, others suggested they were messages from extraterrestrials. The article notes that a BBC report in 1992 revealed a hoax by two men, but this accounted for only a small fraction of the thousands of circles formed. The magazine reports receiving inquiries about whether similar phenomena occurred in Africa, with a farmer in Botswana recalling seeing circles on his land. A report from Martin Chibanda of Kwe-Kwe, Zimbabwe, details a farmer's experience of his maize crop being burned in a specific, letter-like shape, with surrounding stalks flattened and a two-meter diameter circle where vegetation died.

Unidentified Lights in the Sky

This section presents several case reports:

• Case N° 88 (Marondera, Zimbabwe): Chifef reported seeing a slow-moving, spherical, shiny object with occasional orange-red tints on the night of November 23/24, 1992. He estimated its distance and observed its movement. His 14-year-old daughter later reported being awakened by a bright light and seeing a similar spherical, noiseless object. Chifef, a hunter with keen eyesight, concluded it was not a satellite due to its low altitude and slow movement, deeming it an 'unknown' after observing it for 20 minutes. He also recalled a previous sighting of a spherical orange-red object in daylight in the early seventies.
• Case N° 89 (Dalene's Report, Zimbabwe/Johannesburg): Dalene W. reported an incident on Boxing Day, 1989, near Kadoma, Zimbabwe, where she and her in-laws saw a large, bright red-orange ball of light behind a tree. The light moved slowly and then disappeared behind hills. They concluded it was an unidentifiable UFO, possibly inspecting a newly constructed Air Force Base. In May 1991, Dalene witnessed another event in Johannesburg involving multiple bright lights and a main stationary object from which three smaller craft emerged and moved erratically.
• Case N° 90 (A Humming Light, Natal, South Africa): The report from N.J. describes a humming sound heard overhead around 1 AM, accompanied by a strong, silvery light bathing the garden. The witness initially considered the sound might be from a nearby factory but realized it was directly overhead. The light was assumed to be from a full moon, but the humming sound was unusual.

Other Articles

• Odd Sequel to Sandra's Story: Case N° 81: This article likely continues a previous report, detailing further developments in Sandra's case.
• Elizabeth Klarer - International Enigma: This piece focuses on Elizabeth Klarer, a figure known for her claims of contact with extraterrestrials.
• South African Abduction: Case N° 50: This article details a specific abduction case occurring in South Africa.
• Cleo's Report. Case N° 91: This is another case report, presumably detailing an event witnessed or experienced by someone named Cleo.
• A Little Bit of Astronomy: This article likely provides astronomical context relevant to UFO sightings.
• The 'Click' Sound: This report investigates a specific auditory phenomenon associated with UFO encounters.
• The Jack Jones Case: This article details the Jack Jones case, likely a UFO-related incident.
• A Retraction and some Real Proof: This suggests an article that corrects previous information or presents definitive evidence regarding a UFO case.
• Letters to the Editor: This section includes correspondence from readers, offering their perspectives and experiences.
• New Books, Booksellers of UFO Books, Recommended UFO Magazines: These sections provide resources for readers interested in further exploring the topic of UFOs.

The Antonio Villas Boas Case

The magazine revisits the Antonio Villas Boas case from October 1957 in Brasil. Villas Boas reported being abducted and, as he was leaving the craft, noticed a box with a clock-like face. He attempted to take it as proof but was prevented by one of the entities. The article uses this to illustrate the search for tangible proof of abductions.

Dr. Leo Sprinkle and Abduction Evidence

The article mentions Dr. Leo Sprinkle's work with abductees, including the case of Carl Higdon, whose fired bullet disappeared from a sealed box. It also references a 1988 abduction in Johannesburg where victims received a piece of paper with figures. The editor expresses skepticism about abduction claims, suggesting that regressive hypnosis might color memories, though acknowledging the sincerity of witnesses.

The USA Government and Crashed UFOs

The text touches upon the persistent rumors of the USA government holding bodies from a UFO crash, referencing the alleged Roswell incident of 1947. It notes Leonard Stringfield's work on 'crashed retrievals' but points out that his sources are often undisclosed due to sensitivity.

Danie van Graan Case (South Africa)

This case from July 31, 1975, in Loxton, South Africa, involved crop damage in a specific pattern. The site showed clear marks covered by a tarpaulin, residue of fine greenish granules, and a two-meter diameter circle where lucerne died for years. Soil analysis indicated a high alkali content. The article highlights that the evidence, though unprovable, was compelling.

Groendal Reserve Case (South Africa)

On October 1, 1978, four boys in the Groendal Reserve observed a silver object and three men in silver suits who glided over the land. Professor Rust of the University of Port Elizabeth sent two lecturers to investigate, who found nine symmetrical impressions in the brush. The object was estimated to be six meters high, and the impressions were too extensive to have been made by humans in that dense bush.

The Linda Cortile Abduction Case

An observation section discusses the Linda Cortile abduction case, referencing a report in a previous issue of UFO AFRINEWS (N° 8, Sept 1993). It addresses skepticism about witnesses viewing the event from Brooklyn Bridge, with the author recounting a daylight visit to the bridge to ascertain visibility of Linda's apartment window.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, abduction experiences, and the phenomenon of crop circles, with a particular focus on cases occurring within Africa. The magazine presents witness testimonies and investigative reports, balancing them with discussions on skepticism and the challenges of obtaining definitive proof. The editorial stance leans towards considering credible evidence, even if it defies conventional scientific explanation, while maintaining a degree of critical inquiry, particularly regarding the interpretation of witness accounts and the potential for psychological influences.

Title: AFRINEWS
Issue: N° 9
Date: February 1994
Publisher: AFRINEWS
Country: South Africa
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of AFRINEWS delves into various UFO-related phenomena, personal accounts, and investigations, primarily focusing on incidents within Africa. It features a mix of eyewitness testimonies, investigative commentary, and discussions on the nature of UFO experiences.

Odd Sequel to Sandra's Story: Case N° 81

The issue begins with a report detailing a peculiar event involving a woman named Sandra. While walking on a beach in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa, Sandra and another person spotted a light in the sky that behaved in an extraordinary manner. They also observed a man emerge from the water whose behavior was described as strange. Subsequent to this, Sandra contacted investigator Pam Puxley again. Sandra reported an incident at her workplace where a man, who had previously been silent and unresponsive, suddenly screamed and uttered a single word. Astonishingly, at the exact moment he spoke, all three clocks in the building stopped, and even Sandra's battery-powered wristwatch ceased functioning. The commentary notes Sandra's sensitivity and suggests it might explain her reaction to the man in the water, though it questions the direct relevance to the beach sighting.

Not Really Pertaining to UFOs

This section presents an account from a witness in Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe, who experienced a whirlwind followed by trees glowing as if on fire, though they were not burnt. The witness initially suspected witchcraft or ghosts. A similar incident was reported in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, where trees appeared to be on fire, as if covered in light bulbs, and lights were seen 'running' in the dark. The witness expressed fear of traveling on that road at night.

Elizabeth Klarer - International Enigma

This extensive article by Cynthia Hind details the life and claims of Elizabeth Klarer, an 83-year-old South African UFO contactee who passed away in February 1994. Despite public perception, Klarer lived in difficult circumstances in her later years, facing financial hardship and lack of accommodation. Hind recounts meeting Klarer in 1967/68 and her initial skepticism. Klarer claimed her first UFO experience was at age 17 (1927) when she and her sister witnessed a meteor being deflected by a spacecraft. Her first direct contact with a 'Flying Saucer' occurred in 1957 in the Mooi River area of South Africa, where she encountered a spaceman named Akon, a scientist from the planet Meton in the Alpha Centauri system. Klarer alleged a love affair with Akon, resulting in a son named Ayling, born on Meton. She claimed to have maintained contact with Akon throughout her life, possibly through channeling due to her mediumistic powers. Hind notes that while Klarer's story was published in FATE magazine and her book 'Beyond the Light Barrier', there was no independent proof or collaboration. The article also mentions alleged discrepancies in Klarer's accounts and examines the possibility of her having faked evidence, given her intelligence and background in meteorology and music. Hind concludes by expressing admiration for Klarer's demeanor despite the controversial nature of her claims.

From: Skeptics UFO Newsletter

This section includes a brief note from Philip Klass, editor of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, confirming that Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a pro-Ufologist, has given lectures on UFOs to CIA employees regarding a 'UFO-coverup'. The editor comments on the timeliness of this information.

UFO Crash at Roswell?

This brief item announces a new movie titled 'ROSWELL: THE MOVIE', produced by Paul Davids and Ilene Kahn, expected to be released in the US in mid-1994. It mentions the stars Kyle MacLachlan and Martin Sheen.

South African Abduction Case N° 50 (Johannesburg 1988)

This case, previously reported in AFRINEWS, is updated with new information. Two women, Pat (mother) and Debra (daughter), were abducted into a craft in Northcliff, Johannesburg. Experiments were conducted, including the insertion of a knitting needle-like instrument into Debra's chest to test her DNA, RNA, and haemoglobin. Debra, who had suffered from haemolytic jaundice, felt much better after the abduction. A bright yellow plaster was placed on the wound, which then melded with her skin. Skin samples were also taken from Debra. The commander of the craft was identified as Meleelah or Melah. The women were shown a map of Earth, and Meleelah predicted a cataclysm for South Africa, with waves up to 72 meters high, and advised that only those on high ground, particularly in the Pyrenees area of Spain, would be saved. Meleelah also spoke of a war between the US and a Middle Eastern country and stated that AIDS is not solely a homosexual disease but would spread globally due to human self-destruction.

A Retraction and Some Real Proof

AFRINEWS retracts two tabloid stories published in UFO AFRINEWS N° 6 (July 1992) concerning Brenda van der Hoerten and a tribe allegedly from Mars. Investigations in South Africa failed to find any record of Brenda van der Hoerten. The story about a Martian tribe was deemed far-fetched, although the article references Robert Temple's 'The Sirius Mystery' and the possibility of African tribes having connections to the stars. The informant later confirmed that the tribe story was also a figment of imagination. The magazine apologizes for printing the information without rigorous checking.

Letters to the Editor

Mrs S. Hedebro from Mt Pleasant, Harare, writes to AFRINEWS, commending their work in raising awareness about UFOs. She inquires about peculiar lights reported in Harare and mentions a sighting of two round metallic UFOs in Glen Lorne by a friend. She emphasizes the need for AFRINEWS to be more visible so that experiencers know where to report their encounters without ridicule.

Albert Budden, in an extract from his letter, comments on the perceived change in ufology, likening it to Hollywood with 'big money and big egos' involved.

Cleo's Report: An Early UFO. Zambia (Case N° 91)

This report details an incident in September 1965 in Zambia. Cleo and four other people were sitting around a fire when they saw a bright light, like a star, moving very fast and low towards them. They identified it as a 'Flying Saucer' due to its shape and speed. As they ran towards it, the object took off rapidly towards the east. The next day, they heard the object had gone to another farm. A local white farmer also saw a similar object on the ground, but it departed before he could photograph it. Cleo describes the object as circular with a whitish top and a dark rim, making no sound and having no smell. The experience was frightening, and they speculated it might be people come to spy on them.

A Little Bit of Astronomy

This section provides basic astronomical information about the five planets closest to Earth: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, including their characteristics and proximity to the Sun.

Night Sky

A short poem expressing the author's enjoyment of observing the night sky, planets, and stars.

The 'Click' Sound

This section addresses a previous discussion about an auditory phenomenon known as the 'click' sound. The author responds to Albert Budden, stating that the phenomenon might indicate an altered state of consciousness, but suggests that the 'Page Effect' as outlined in 'The Handbook of Magnetic Phenomena' by Burke provides the answer.

The Jack Jones Case (N°. 49, AFRINEWS 7, Jan. 1993)

This section presents further comments from Budden regarding the Jack Jones case. Budden criticizes the reporting of UFO cases as 'stories' rather than detailed investigations, emphasizing the need for data like weather conditions, medical backgrounds, and geological information. He questions how a fireball could have known the location of an electrical sub-station or actively picked up Jones' car. The editors apologize for omitting details about the weather conditions during the incident and clarify the location of the sub-station. They also defend their approach, stating they pointed out inconsistencies in Budden's identification and Jones' story, and question the UAP's behavior in selectively picking up Jones' car.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, AFRINEWS maintains a stance of reporting on UFO phenomena with a degree of skepticism and a call for rigorous investigation, as seen in the commentary on the Jack Jones case and the retraction of fabricated stories. There is a clear interest in documenting experiences from across Africa, particularly South Africa and Zimbabwe. The magazine aims to provide a platform for those who have had unusual encounters, encouraging them to report their experiences without fear of ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of intelligent alien origin for UFOs while demanding evidence and logical consistency in the reported cases. The issue also touches upon the commercialization of ufology and the importance of distinguishing between genuine experiences and sensationalism.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, identified as N° 8, is a publication from Arcturus Books, Inc., based in the USA. The magazine focuses on ufology and related phenomena, featuring reader letters, book reviews, and reports on specific UFO incidents. The content suggests a dynamic and sometimes contentious field, with differing viewpoints on the nature of UFOs and alien contact.

Reader Correspondence

The issue includes several letters from readers offering their perspectives and feedback. Gary Davis from Virginia, USA, expresses his enjoyment of the magazine and notes that while many US and Russian sightings might be military test planes or satellites, this doesn't explain all phenomena. Ms K. Chan Jack from Harare, Zimbabwe, praises the magazine for its informative and thought-provoking content, avoiding sensationalism. She specifically requests a discussion on the 'Adamski phenomenon' in a future issue, referencing a recent TV program that covered George Adamski's alleged encounter with aliens, whose origin may have shifted from Venus to beyond the solar system.

Another reader, from Zimbabwe, shares a personal anecdote about their grandmother seeing 'flames of fire scampering or flying in the sky during a clear night.'

Jan L Aldrich from Connecticut, USA, commends Arcturus Books' publications as a significant contribution to ufology literature. He notes the magazine's interest in UFOs near water and triangular-shaped objects, mentioning several such sightings over Connecticut. Aldrich also states his research interest in pre-Arnold reports and the 1947-1954 period, and offers to correspond with others.

Editor's Response and Commentary

The editor provides a response to a reader's comment about liking cooking, stating that the 'heat in the kitchen' has never bothered them, but 'asinine remarks' do. The editor also offers advice to those in ufology, suggesting they become more 'hard-nosed' and that 'if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,' framing ufology as a 'total war' and a 'religious war' due to the strong beliefs involved.

Regarding George Adamski, the editor notes that most leading ufologists do not believe his claims, but acknowledges that subsequent reports suggest he might have observed something unknown. The editor posits that individuals brought to fame by sightings may feel pressure from the media to embellish their stories. While admitting there was fraudulent material associated with Adamski, including fake pictures and a self-proclaimed title of 'Professor,' the editor recommends reading 'GEORGE ADAMSKI: THE UNTOLD STORY' by Lou Zinsstag and Timothy Good for further insight, suggesting that even in suspect stories, there's often a kernel of truth.

UFO Incidents and Cases

The issue details several specific UFO incidents. From Jan Aldrich's letter, two cases are highlighted:

• Camarasa, Spain (April 14th, 1947): People near the Riegos y Fuerzas del Ebrio hydro-electric power plant reported a luminous object descending from the sky, landing on the water behind the dam, floating, and then sinking.
• Roros, Norway (August, 1947): Mr Bernard Solli reported hearing a powerful noise and seeing a grey-blue, aluminium-coloured, shining object that floated towards an islet, landed in a cascade of water, and then sank. Investigations by the UFO group of Trondheim 20 years later yielded no findings.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

The magazine features a section on 'NEW BOOKS' and 'BOOKSELLERS OF UFO BOOKS.'

New Books reviewed or listed include:

• 'ALLERGIES AND ALIENS: THE VISITATION EXPERIENCE' by Albert Budden.
• 'ABDUCTION: HUMAN ENCOUNTERS WITH ALIENS' by John E Mack M.D., a Professor of Psychiatry at Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School. His book presents 13 in-depth case histories of alien encounters.
• 'TAKEN INSIDE THE ALIEN-HUMAN ABDUCTION AGENDA' by Dr Karla Turner, a study of eight case histories by a qualified psychoanalyst.
• 'THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UFO CRASH AT ROSWELL' by Randle & Schmitt, which claims to present new evidence and witnesses.
• 'UFO CRASH/RETRIEVALS. Status Report VII' by Leonard Stringfield, examining reports on crashed UFOs.

Book sellers mentioned are:

• United Kingdom: SPACELINK BOOKS.
• United States: ARCTURUS BOOKS, INC.
• South Africa: AQUARIAN BOOK CENTRE.

Recommended UFO Magazines

A list of recommended UFO magazines is provided, including publications from Australia, Canada, and Great Britain:

• Australia: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, UFO ENCOUNTER, UFO REPORTER.
• Canada: UFORIC, DELVE.
• Great Britain: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, NORTHERN UFO NEWS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the controversial nature of ufology, the credibility of UFO witnesses and their accounts, and the scientific community's engagement with the phenomenon. There is a clear editorial stance that ufology is a serious and often contentious field, requiring a 'hard-nosed' approach. The magazine appears to present a range of viewpoints, from skepticism to detailed reporting of sightings and alleged encounters, while also promoting further research and literature in the field. The issue highlights the ongoing debate surrounding figures like George Adamski and the challenges of verifying evidence in UFO research.