UFO AFRINEWS - No 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, dated February 1995 and identified as No. 11, focuses heavily on a significant UFO flap that occurred in Zimbabwe on September 14th, 1994. The magazine is edited by Cynthia Hind, with Maria Sullivan as Assistant Editor and Michael Hind responsible for layout. The issue includes a list of investigators across Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, along with their contact details.

Editorial

The editorial, likely written by Cynthia Hind, reflects on the challenging yet rewarding nature of UFO investigation. It highlights the "terrifically interesting, very impressive sighting" in Zimbabwe as a peak experience for investigators. The editorial details a series of events starting with an alleged 'meteor shower,' followed by other reports like the children at Ariel School, a daylight sighting by a boy and his mother, and a truck driver's encounter with 'people.' The excitement surrounding these events is emphasized, noting that "UFOs had landed in Zimbabwe!" The editorial also mentions the significant media attention the event garnered, including interest from the BBC for a documentary, coverage by South African Television on their program AGENDA, and by Zimbabwe Television. It also notes the arrival of Dr. John Mack of Cambridge Hospital, Harvard University, in Harare on November 28th, 1994, to investigate further.

Commentary on Abductions

This section, written by Prier Wintle, discusses a critique by Hilary Evans of Jim Schnabel's book on abductions. Wintle acknowledges admiring the analyses of many ufologists but expresses reservations about the abduction phenomenon, particularly the reliance on hypnosis, which he believes can dredge up unrelated memories. He contrasts the promotion of abduction syndrome as factual in the USA by figures like Budd Hopkins, Dr. John Mack, and David Jacobs, with a more laid-back approach in Britain and other countries. Wintle shares a reported abduction case from South Africa involving a mother and daughter, where hypnosis was not used. The case shared several common abduction patterns: no recollection of removal from a vehicle, a white mist upon entering a craft, mind reading, experimentation, taking of skin samples, familiar descriptions of aliens (no fingernails, vertical pupils), knowledge of medical problems, and predictions of the future. Wintle questions the origin of such imagery if it is fantasy and suggests it warrants detailed study, possibly as racial memory.

UFO Flap in Zimbabwe (Case N° 95)

This extensive report details the events of September 14th, 1994, starting around 20:50 to 21:05 hours. The initial sightings were of a "pyrotechnic display" in the night sky, reported from Kempton Park near Johannesburg, and quickly spreading to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The author, driving with Maria Sullivan and her granddaughter, heard what sounded like an explosion at 21:04 hours, later identified as a sonic boom from debris entering the atmosphere. Despite initial reports suggesting a meteorite shower, the author remained skeptical due to the unusual behavior of the lights. Reports described a ball of fire with a long tail of sparks, white or goldish in color, with some seeing multiple large lights. Objects were reported traveling fast from North to South, or moving slowly. The author notes the bias towards reports from amateur astronomers or professionals over private individuals. The report includes observations from Dr. Euan Nisbet, a Professor of Geology, and his colleague Ms. Kathy Silva, who plotted a trajectory suggesting movement away from the north-south line. They described the fireball as one-fifth the moon's diameter and the shower contained within a band several moon diameters long. The sonic boom occurring a few minutes later suggested the debris was at least 50 km high. Further reports came from Lake Kariba, where fishermen described a bright light with two side lights, traveling slowly and silently, with orangey-red color and trailing tails, moving S/SE. The Warden-in-Charge at Matusadona National Park also observed a light. Steve Edwards of Kariba Bream Farm took a video. Alexander L from the Cutty Sark Hotel described an object moving North to South with orange streamers and flashing lights, feeling a vibration. Other witnesses thought it was an aircraft on fire. The report includes observations from Jo Hensman, who felt an object was attracted to her flashlight. Reports of objects flying at tree-top level were also noted. Rex Taylor of Kariba Yacht Safaris provided a detailed observation of an object with a fiery tail, green lights, and a second 'rocket,' estimating its size and speed, and suggesting it was at the edge of the atmosphere. He noted a discrepancy in times, speculating about time distortion effects. The report includes a diagram of the object seen by Rex Taylor. Further sightings are reported from Hwange, near Deka, where seven people saw a slow-moving object like a Boeing 747. From Bulawayo, Mr. P. Patel described an object moving at aircraft speed, followed by smaller objects, and noted it was "huge, bigger and brighter." Wayne Morgan described a flaming object flying low. Brett Ding noted it was bright and moving slowly. Samantha Peck described a "beautiful" circular-shaped bright light with colorful tails, moving silently. Vivienne Pascoe provided a vivid description of an enormous object, five or six times the size of a Jumbo jet, with flashing, shimmering lights, moving silently and heading South. Laura Tolley described an object like a nose-cone with orangey-red color and little lights, flying at tree-top height. F.C. Cloete reported an oval-shaped object travelling slowly about 50 metres up. Lyn Dévres and her husband reported an object travelling SE with a bluish light and streamers. Mrs. I. Bawden reported two workers seeing a very big and terrifying object with red and yellow lights flashing. Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 illustrate some of these descriptions.

Other Reports and Speculation

Mrs. C. Laing reported workers seeing an object, with one thinking it was the coming of Jesus. Sarah Smit reported farm workers mistaking fireworks from a plane carrying the President of Ghana for the object, describing silvery lights and a strong wind. C.H. Alexander, with Civil Aviation experience, reported an aircraft-like object with numerous white lights, moving from N to S, low altitude, with no engine sound, and emitting bright sparks and flame, resembling a blast furnace. He ruled out a meteor and suggested metallic materials like Duralumin or Magnesium. Brian Auchterlonie described a bright light with red and white tinges, a flat base, flying overhead. Mukurawo Jonasi wrote a speculative letter, suggesting the objects were scattered stones from a collision, criticizing scientists for favoring American/Russian technology. The issue also notes sightings in different directions within Harare suburbs and Concession, with Jonasi suggesting these were harmless rubble from a past collision not from Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly the significant flap in Zimbabwe in September 1994, and the phenomenon of alien abductions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of witness accounts, while also maintaining a degree of critical analysis, especially regarding the evidence for abductions and the interpretation of sightings as meteorites. The magazine aims to document these events and encourage further study, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of multiple witness testimonies and the inclusion of speculative theories.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, Volume 3, Issue 11, dated September 1994, focuses on various UFO and alien encounter cases, with a prominent feature on the Ariel School incident in Ruwa, Zimbabwe. The magazine explores witness testimonies, analyzes potential explanations, and discusses the broader implications of these phenomena.

The Big Stone Sighting (Mutare, Zimbabwe)

The issue begins by detailing a sighting in Mutare, Eastern Highlands, where numerous telephone calls reported an aircraft-like object moving low on the horizon towards Moçambique. Witnesses described two bright white lights changing to orangey, with one witness, Allan Dock, believing it to be a meteorite. Mr. Odorico described an incredibly bright white light fading into orange and red, moving East to West, about 15° above the horizon.

Astronomical Explanations and Russian Satellite

Initially, astronomers suggested a 'spectacular meteorite shower,' but this diagnosis was reviewed. Professor Nisbet's visit to the Royal Observatory near London is mentioned. It is noted that a Russian satellite's nose cone was jettisoned on September 14th, its trajectory passing over southern Africa. Reports suggest a piece landed near Karoi, north-west of Harare, and another in a river in Chokwe, Moçambique. An Air Zimbabwe pilot reported a flight delay on September 14th, aligning with the sighting time.

Unknown Craft and Cosmic Involvement

A third conjecture posits that the object was an unknown, non-Earthly craft, driven by curiosity about human activities. The issue references a MUFON JOURNAL report from January 1989 about the testing of a dummy Atlas missile near Big Sur, California, where a photographer, Bob Jacobs, Ph.D., captured an object maneuvering around the missile at high speed. The missile subsequently malfunctioned. Jacobs decided to reveal this incident in 1982. The message from aliens is interpreted as a warning about humanity destroying Earth and its environment, posing a considerable danger. Dr. John Mack of Cambridge Hospital and Harvard Medical School suggests a cosmic involvement, with aliens potentially disapproving of Earth's destruction.

The Children of Ariel School Case (Ruwa, Zimbabwe)

Case N° 96 details an extraordinary event at Ariel Primary School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, on Friday, September 16th, 1994. During a mid-morning break, over 60 of the 250 children witnessed several objects, described as large and small, landing in a bush area. The objects emitted a whirring noise and a bright white, silverish light. Children described disc-like objects and a small entity, approximately one metre tall, dressed in a shiny black one-piece suit, with long black hair, a large head, and big, black, slanting eyes. The entity's mouth was a slit, and its ears were hardly discernible. Some children drew the entity with legs like tines or spiders' legs. The Headmaster, Colin Mackie, had the children draw what they saw. Guy G., a self-assured witness, described the craft as striped black and green. His parents did not believe his story. The report notes that society tends to discard what it doesn't understand.

Water: Its Significance to UFOs

This section revisits a case from UFO AFRINEWS N° 8 (September 1993) concerning UFOs searching for water. A specific incident from June 24th, 1979, is detailed where Ron and Heather Moses' 13,000-gallon water tank emptied overnight with no signs of leakage or tracks. Two days later, reports of flashing lights were noted in the area. Heather stated that the water could not have evaporated or leaked out without a trace, suggesting a UFO took the water. The blue flashing lights were reported to have gone right over their paddock.

An Early UFO in Zimbabwe (Case N° 93)

In August 1975, the R. family, returning from Harare, witnessed an unusual object in the sky near Guinea Fowl School. The object was round, flashing blue and white lights, with a dark line in the center that appeared to rotate. It performed various maneuvers at incredible speeds. Three Vampire jets flew overhead, seemingly heading for the object. The family, fearing ridicule, did not report the sighting. Later that night, two friends, Aubrey and Russell, visited Mr. R., visibly shaken, reporting a large blue light hovering in the trees, described as a large bubble with a skirt, emitting a high-pitched humming sound. As they approached, their car went dead, and came back to life when the object moved away. They followed it, and the car died again. Aubrey saw a figure looking at them through what he thought was a window. The object then disappeared. The friends felt nauseous and experienced a pounding headache. Mr. R. is an amateur astronomer, while Aubrey was an electrician. The two friends initially refused to talk for fear of ridicule.

Car-Shaped UFO (Case N° 94)

Martin Chibanda reports on Jason from Chegutu, who saw a car-like object in the bush before 4 a.m. He heard an intense light and a persistent rumble, unlike any vehicle. The object lifted off the road, darted about, and then took off with amazing velocity. Jason described it as large, streamlined, and glowing yellow with a prominent blinding white light. The rumbling disturbed the ground and caused tremors. Some people suggested it was a spirit or magic, but Jason had never heard of UFOs. The drawing depicts a shape like a traditional African pot with a white, lighted cap and darker triangular marks. The noise was a 'rumbling hum' when distant and a blasting sound when closer.

Book Review: Without Consent

This review discusses the book 'Without Consent' by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle, which details abduction cases in Britain. The reviewer notes that British ufologists were initially skeptical of alien abductions, considering them an American invention. The book presents cases clearly, analyzing pros and cons without definitive conclusions. One notable case is Philip Spencer, a former police constable, who photographed a strange 'green' creature on Ilkley Moor. The creature was about 16 metres away, with two long arms, two legs, and a head. The object it was near emitted a humming sound and was described as two silver saucer-shaped discs welded together. Spencer lost one and three-quarter hours, indicating a time anomaly. The review also mentions the Day family of Aveley as another well-known abduction case and discusses the use of hypnosis, cautioning that it can be influenced by subconscious memories.

Letters from Around the World

This section includes correspondence from readers. John Robson from Hayling Island, England, expresses interest in UFOs and crop circles and seeks to correspond with others. Daniel Salemane Ka-Matsinyane from South Africa shares his interest in ufology, belief in reborn aliens, strange objects, and mysterious disappearances, lamenting the lack of support and the perception of madness when discussing these topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include: witness testimonies of unusual aerial phenomena, the potential for alien communication and warnings about environmental destruction, the significance of water in UFO encounters, and the challenges of investigating and accepting UFO phenomena, particularly in the face of skepticism and ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging the exploration of these topics while acknowledging the need for careful analysis and reliable references. The magazine aims to present cases and theories that advance understanding of UFOs, particularly within the African context.

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: 11
Date: July 1995

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS is primarily composed of correspondence from its readers and related information, reflecting a global interest in UFO phenomena and research. It includes updates on ongoing investigations, recommendations for other publications and books, and a look ahead to future content.

Reader Correspondence and Inquiries

The magazine features letters from various international readers, showcasing diverse perspectives and interests.

• Brother K Alfred (Andhra Pradesh, India): Expresses interest in UFO AFRINEWS and requests a copy, mentioning he receives 'Paths of Light' and was informed about UFO AFRINEWS by its editor, Naomi Albright.
• V.O.B.U.R. (Muiden, Holland): A free research bureau led by Mr. J. Gort, VOBUR requests more details about UFO AFRINEWS' organization and activities, expressing interest in UFO research results and opinions.
• Joan D. (San Francisco, USA): Writes about the book 'UFOS: AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS' (1982), finding the cases intriguing, particularly the story of Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer.
• AURA (Moscow, Russia): Acknowledges the reader's liking for AURA-Z and encloses their latest issue, looking forward to reading UFO AFRINEWS.
• Sipho S.M. (Inyanga, Zimbabwe): Having seen an article about UFOs in local newspapers, Sipho seeks more information about UFOs and their existence.
• Jochen K. (Rottenburg, Germany): A publisher specializing in UFO literature, Jochen K. is planning a new UFO journal and seeks permission to print a paper written by the magazine's editor in 1993, aiming for a high-quality, objective standard.
• Marianna A. (Athens, Greece): Interested in the magazine's subjects, Marianna requests a recent issue, a list of back issues, and information on subscriptions and payment.
• Tony W. (Stockholm, Sweden): Found the address through 'NORTHERN NEWS' and, having heard the editor at conferences, expresses pleasure in receiving the magazine.

Case Reports and Witness Testimonies

The issue includes a continuation of a report, likely from a previous issue, detailing abduction experiences.

• Phyllis (Johannesburg): Recalls encounters with beings from 'Tyrone,' a planet near the Pleiades, describing moving walkways ('escalators') on streets and an agreed-upon operation performed on Diane by these beings on their planet.
• Diane: Suffered from haemolytic jaundice, but after an abduction experience with two women, her illness disappeared, and she appears to be in excellent health.

Recommendations and Listings

The magazine provides extensive lists of recommended UFO magazines, booksellers, and new books.

• Recommended UFO Magazines:
• Australia: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, UFO ENCOUNTER, UFO REPORTER.
• Canada: UFORIC, DELVE.
• Great Britain: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, UFO NEWSFILE (BUFORA).
• Italy: NOTIZIARIO UFO, UFO EXPRESS, UFO-RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA.
• United States: INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER, JUST CAUSE, MUFON UFO JOURNAL, PERCEPTIONS.

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

• Recommended New Books:
• 'ABDUCTION' by Dr. John E. Mack, M.D.
• 'WITHOUT CONSENT' by Carl Nagaitis & Philip Mantle.
• 'EARTH MEMORY' by Paul Deveraux.

Correction and Conclusion

• Correction: The magazine corrects a previous recommendation of 'UFO BRIGANTIA' in Great Britain, stating it has not been published for over a year and its editor, Andy Roberts, is out of ufology. The editors note that they often receive magazines as reciprocity and are not always aware when publications cease.

• In Conclusion: The editorial reflects on an exciting period for UFO AFRINEWS and UFO interests in Southern Africa. Cynthia Hind spent two months in Cape Town and Johannesburg, meeting people with UFO experiences and conducting abduction interviews. These recordings are planned for use in the next issue. The editorial notes an increase in UFO reports globally and expresses hope for significant discoveries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the global nature of UFO interest, the importance of reader contributions and correspondence, and the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, particularly abduction experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, objective reporting, and a commitment to disseminating information about UFOs and related research, while also acknowledging the challenges of tracking publications in the field. There is a clear effort to connect readers with resources, including other magazines, books, and booksellers.