UFO AFRINEWS - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No. 12
Date: July 1995

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, published in July 1995, is a magazine dedicated to the exploration of UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on sightings and experiences within Africa. The publication features a mix of investigative reports, eyewitness accounts, and editorial commentary, aiming to shed light on unexplained aerial events and related experiences.

Editorial

The editorial section addresses the internal criticisms and behaviors within the ufology community, such as harsh judgments, cruelty of words, and unnecessary digging into personal lives. It then pivots to defend individuals who have dedicated years to the field, highlighting Dr. John E. Mack of Cambridge Hospital, a psychiatrist who became involved in UFO work due to his patients reporting bizarre abduction experiences. The editorial emphasizes the importance of curiosity in scientific inquiry, drawing parallels to historical figures like Newton and Archimedes, and argues against silencing prominent researchers who are trying to find answers to the UFO mystery. It posits that curiosity about unexplained phenomena, like abductions, is a healthy and essential aspect of human inquiry.

Key Articles and Reports

The Marie Van Staden Reports (Cases N° 97-106)

• This section compiles a series of reports, likely from a collection by Marie Van Staden, detailing various UFO-related incidents. These include:
• A Child Recalls (Case N° 97): A child's account.
• UFO on Safari (Case N° 98): A sighting during a safari.
• Visited by Air Force Officers (Case N° 99a): An encounter involving Air Force personnel.
• Pulsating Blue Lights (Case N° 99b): A report of pulsating blue lights.
• Soundless Craft (Case N° 100): An observation of a craft without sound.
• A Strange Craft (Case N° 101): Description of an unusual craft.
• A Perfect Sphere (Case N° 102): A sighting of a spherical object.
• Truck in Disguise (Case N° 103): An object described as a disguised truck.
• A Long Oblong Shape (Case N° 104): A sighting of an oblong-shaped object.
• Gone Missing? (Case N° 105): An incident where something went missing.
• Whose Face Wore the Smile? (Case N° 106): A report with a curious title, possibly related to an encounter.

A Little Bit of Astronomy (Page 25)

This appears to be a brief section related to astronomical observations or context, though its specific content is not detailed in the provided text.

Justin's Story (Case N° 109) (Page 26)

This section presents a personal account titled 'Justin's Story', cataloged as Case N° 109.

Out of Africa (Page 27)

A section dedicated to UFO-related events or discussions pertaining to the African continent.

Transformer in the Sky (Case N° 108) (Page 30)

This report, Case N° 108, describes an object observed in the sky referred to as a 'Transformer in the Sky'.

Letters to the Editor (Page 36)

This section contains correspondence from readers to the editor, offering their views, experiences, or comments on topics discussed in the magazine.

Recommended Books on Abductions (Page 40)

A curated list of books recommended to readers interested in the subject of alien abductions.

Conclusion (Page 42)

The concluding remarks or summary for the issue.

Lights and Tracks (Case N° 107)

This article recounts an experience at Nyambuya Farm, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in 1954 or 1955, based on a letter from a deceased farmer named 'Bunty'. The witness, while with her dogs, awoke to a whimpering Great Dane and was then blinded by powerful, bright rays of light descending from above. She described the light as looking like 'searchlights upside down' but much brighter and silver, forming a fan shape. The lights then retracted, and a noiseless object appeared, travelling horizontally at high speed like a 'huge fireball' before disappearing. The dogs were visibly distressed. The witness later regretted not sharing her story with Cynthia Hind at the time. She also recalls seeing a tyre-mark imprint on a large flat granite area near the Falls, which she felt was unusual and could not be explained by any known vehicle.

Ariel School Report (Cont.) (Case N° 96)

This report continues the investigation into the Ariel School case, which involved an interview with the children by Dr. John Mack. The article notes that some children had previously seen a 'cigar-like' object on September 15th, 1994, the day before the main event. This sighting was corroborated by three girls in the playground. The main event on September 16th, 1994, involved children witnessing a strange object and 'little men'. The report highlights the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the witnesses, including black African, coloured, Asian, and white Zimbabwean children. Drawings by the children are mentioned, with different ethnic groups labeling the figures as 'little men', 'unidentified persons', or 'aliens', and the craft as 'the machine' or 'the object'. One boy described a figure with long, straight black hair, unlike typical African hair. Soil samples were taken from the alleged landing sites and analyzed by the Chemistry & Soil Research Institute. The report also mentions that Dr. Viewing from the University of Zimbabwe suggested further readings from the Institute of Mining Research. The children pointed out two landing areas, and the ongoing nature of the investigation is emphasized, recognizing that significant details can emerge even years later. Direct statements from children are quoted, including one girl who saw figures in red, white, and black, and used the word 'spaceship'. Guy G. described disc-shaped objects glinting among trees and landing, with the 'little man' being light-colored with black clothes, disappearing into a valley. Other children described seeing a 'black stick', a 'silver thing', or 'little men' with long black hair and big eyes, some identifying them as aliens.

Drawings from Ariel School

• Figure 3: Depicts two figures above an object with 'square' portholes, appearing to hover.
• Figure 4: Shows a dome-like object with distinctive eyes, two tines or legs, one window, and a doorway.
• Figure 5: Illustrates two figures without facial features.

Mrs. Stevens, a neighbor, reported seeing a huge orange glow like a 'big round ball' before dawn on the day of the sighting.

Unusual Occurrence at Sea

This section details a report by Chief Engineer R.J. Harrop of the ss 'Sanko Stresa' on March 5th, 1979. At 1930 hrs, officers observed an unusual sunset and a stationary white trail in the sky, similar to an aircraft vapour trail but zigzag-shaped. Above the trail was a double halo of various colors. Later, at 2010 hrs, a brilliant white light was seen descending from a single point in the sky, directed towards the area of the colors near the horizon. This light diminished, and a star-like object then moved slowly, resembling a comet with a tail, and produced ball-like puffs of light in its wake.

Revelation from Israel

In June 1993, an Israeli government TV show featured a skeptical look at UFOs. However, the producer revealed that a 'shard' found at a UFO landing site in Kadima had been analyzed by Dr. Henry Fuhner of the State of Israel Institute for Geology. The analysis indicated the material was composed of elemental silicon, a substance not found on this planet and artificially created from polymers. The report concluded the shards were not manufactured by any known process.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the phenomenon of alien abductions, and the challenges faced by researchers in the field. The editorial stance strongly supports open-minded inquiry and curiosity, defending the work of ufologists against criticism and emphasizing the need for serious investigation into unexplained phenomena. There is a clear focus on cases originating from or related to Africa, with a particular emphasis on the detailed reporting of the Ariel School incident and its implications. The magazine also highlights the importance of scientific rigor, as seen in the analysis of the Israeli shard and the ongoing investigation of the Ariel School case.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, Volume 3, Issue 12, dated February 1996, is a compilation of UFO sighting reports and related articles, primarily focusing on cases from Africa. The magazine's policy is to report on UFO cases in Africa, with comparisons to international cases where pertinent.

The Marie Van Staden Reports

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to reports provided by Marie van Staden of South Africa. These cases, some dating back to the early years of modern Ufology, are presented for public record and further research, with a suggestion that some could be verified.

Case N° 97: A Child Recalls

Reported by Elmo C., this case from Ladybrand, South Africa, dated 1945/6/7, describes an eight or nine-year-old boy and his friend witnessing a strange, silent object descending slowly about 30 metres away. The object, described as dull silver and similar to the front of a helicopter but without a tail or rotor blades, hovered overhead. The boys attempted to throw stones at it.

Case N° 98: UFO on Safari

Reported by JSE from East Africa (Kenya) in April 1956, this incident involved an object flying very low with huge red and orange lights and a dull silver front, observed during a safari.

Case N° 99 (a): Visited by Air Force Officers

Reported by Julie R. in Pretoria, South Africa, 1957, this account details a sighting of a fast-moving object. The witness was later visited by two Air Force officers who identified it as a weather balloon, a claim the witness disputed based on her prior knowledge.

Case N° 99 (b): Pulsating Blue Lights

Also reported by Julie R. in Margate, South Africa, April 1965, this incident involved a tremendous noise followed by the observation of four pairs of pulsating blue lights within which a silver substance glittered. The object was seen on a knoll.

Case N° 100: Soundless Craft

Reported by Jos R. from Barkly East, South Africa, 1968, this case involves a sphere emitting light that moved slowly towards the observer. The craft hovered very low for about 15 minutes before coming closer and then gliding over the witness. The witness experienced skin problems afterward, attributed to a 'light beam' from the craft.

Case N° 101: A Strange Craft

Reported by IAF from Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) in 1976, this incident describes farm workers witnessing a long, cigarette or pipe-shaped craft with a blue light inside and a red light at the back. The craft was seen while helicopters and light planes were active in the area.

Case N° 102: A Perfect Sphere

Reported by John W. from Northern Transvaal, South Africa, July 1976, this sighting involved a perfect sphere, dead still and soundless, hovering for about seven minutes. The observer felt it was under intelligent control.

Case N° 103: Truck in Disguise

Reported by Hannie B. from Orange Free State, South Africa, 1981, this incident describes four people seeing what they thought was a huge cargo truck with little coloured lights, which then flew towards them and over their car without sound.

Case N° 104: A Long Oblong Shape

Reported by Craig V. from Rustenburg, South Africa, January 1984, two security officers witnessed a long, oblong craft, estimated at 200 metres, hovering silently for about three minutes before disappearing southwards.

Case N° 105: Gone Missing?

Reported by Elio from Witbank, South Africa, March 1994, this sighting involved an enormous silver craft going vertically up at great speed, leaving a white trail. The witness's friend, Otto, was greatly frightened, and later disappeared.

Case N° 106: Whose Face Wore the Smile?

Reported by Dave H. from Johannesburg, South Africa, this case describes a tiny, man-like creature with a smile sitting on a balcony ledge, with a saucer-type vehicle above it emitting a bright light and humming sound. The creature hopped back into the vehicle and disappeared.

The Roswell Incident and Related Articles

Out of Africa

Written by Cynthia Hind, this section discusses the policy of UFO AFRINEWS to report on African UFO cases but makes an exception for the Roswell Case of 1947, citing it as the only case where physical evidence of an 'extraterrestrial craft' was produced, though later denied. The article details the crash, the discovery of silver material, the initial 'extraterrestrial craft' announcement, and the subsequent identification as a Radive Weather Balloon. It mentions the involvement of Major Jesse Marcel and the ongoing investigations by ufologists like William Moore, Stanton Friedman, Kevin Randle, and Donald Schmitt. The article also touches upon the controversial alleged film of an alien autopsy, obtained by Ray Santilli and presented by Philip Mantle, with mixed opinions on its authenticity.

Books on Roswell

A list of books related to the Roswell incident is provided, including titles by Berlitz and Moore, George Eberhart, Randle & Schmitt, and Stanton Friedman.

Other Reports and Articles

Transformer in the Sky

Reported by Stewart Bloch, Cape Town, S. Africa, and told to Pam Puxley, this case from February 1969 describes a glinting object moving slowly towards Cape Town. A subsequent incident in April/May 1969 involved a transformer-shaped object, airborne and revolving, which moved towards the observer and then hovered near a bush fire, appearing to suffocate the flames. The object was described as having a magnesium foil frame and a pyrite barrel, with laminated polycarbonate covering.

A Little Bit of Astronomy

This section covers two astronomical topics:
1. The last solar eclipse of the century, scheduled for October 24th, 1995, visible from the Philippines.
2. Observations of Mars, including geological features like the Tharsis Bulge, evidence of past water, and pyramid-like shapes in the Elysium Quadrangle, leading to speculation about past life on the planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, often with detailed descriptions of the objects' appearance, behavior, and sounds (or lack thereof). There is a clear interest in documenting these cases for research purposes. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial craft, particularly highlighted by the extensive coverage of the Roswell incident and the discussion of the alleged alien autopsy film. The magazine also engages with astronomical topics, linking them to the broader context of potential extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of a 'Skeptic' poem suggests an awareness of and engagement with skeptical viewpoints, though the overall tone leans towards investigating and reporting unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, dated February 1995 (N° 11), is primarily composed of letters to the editor and a concluding section on the current state of UFO phenomena. It also includes recommendations for UFO research organizations and books.

Letters to the Editor

The issue begins with letters from readers sharing their experiences and thoughts on UFOs.

Adrian, aged 7, from an unnamed location: Reports seeing a strange red line in the sky on a Monday after swimming. He heard no sound and was with his sister on the verandah. He thought it might be a rocket but wasn't sure and asked for it to be discussed on TV.

Mrs Flanagan, of Bulawayo, aged 86: Recounts an event from 1954 when living in Enkeldoorn (now Chivhu), Zimbabwe. While waiting for a neighbour with 13 people present, they witnessed several objects approaching from the Manusi Mountains. These objects reversed direction halfway, without turning or making any sound. They appeared a second and then a third time, getting closer, before retreating. Mrs. Flanagan notes that this event was mentioned in the Rhodesia Herald around July 8th, 1954, and her husband, the Town Ranger of Chivhu, managed to get the town on the front page of the newspaper.

Joseph W Pilkerton, of Connecticut, USA: Expresses his pleasure in reading the publication and finds parallels with stories from his own country. He encourages the good work and hopes for eventual clarity on the subject, wishing for the world to accept the news as readily as UFO investigators do.

Norbert Kazingizi, of Waterfalls, Harare (Zimbabwe): Describes an event in August 1993, shortly after 19:00 hours. While in the dining room with his sister, brother, and mother, his sister pointed out a bright red ball through the lace curtains. They went outside and saw the object a few metres above the treetops, towards the East. It hovered, then moved horizontally towards them, changed direction, and moved slowly northwards. The object was visible for over a minute and appeared to have smoke above it. Kazingizi estimates its size at about six metres in diameter and is certain it was not a meteorite due to its hovering, changing direction, and silent movement, indicating it was under its own power. He notes that there was no mention of this in the paper the next morning, despite his belief that many people must have seen it.

Additional Observation of an object over Lake Kariba (14th Sept, '94): This observation was received from Rex Taylor, of the Cutty Sark Marina, Kariba, Zimbabwe. He saw a video recording of the same object reported in UFO AFRINEWS N° 11 of February 1995, taken from a yacht at Ruzihururu. The time was approximately 20:30 Bravo time. The object's angle and path were not accurately measured, but an observer's comment suggested they were similar to Taylor's observation. Taylor saw a row of green lights, whereas the video showed a red fireball. He suggests the burning parts seen at Kariba might have burnt out or fallen between Kariba and Ruzihururu. The green lights indicate magnesium, which burns until oxidized, accounting for the faint smoke trail. He believes it was not space rocket debris. Sightings from Botswana and Johannesburg suggest a track further south, and he doubts any parts survived re-entry.

Reported Debris: In N° 11, it was reported that debris had fallen in the Karoi area of Zimbabwe and the Chokwe River, Moçambique.

Information Resources

The magazine provides information for those seeking to join UFO groups.

MUFON (Mutual UFO Network): Located at 103 Oldtowne Road, Seguin, Texas 78155-4099, USA. The MUFON UFO JOURNAL costs US$30 per year for 12 issues and is edited by Dennis Stacey. The journal discusses recent cases worldwide, with a focus on American cases, and includes controversial articles, letters, and scientific reports. Walter Webb contributes a monthly astronomy page.

CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies): Located at 2457 West Peterson Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60659, USA. A contribution of US$25 or more receives 6 copies of their IUR (International UFO Reporter) magazine per year. The IUR publishes analytical reports on cases and is noted for its honest assessment. The Centre was founded by the late Allen Hynek.

FLYING SAUCER REVIEW: Available from P.O. Box 162, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 5DZ, Great Britain. The cost is £18 for 4 issues per year, plus an additional £6 for airmail to Africa. This is described as the best-known British UFO magazine, edited by Gordon Creighton, M.A., FRGS, FRAS. It covers case histories internationally and is run almost single-handedly by Creighton, who is admired for his efforts and is described as open-minded.

NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Located at 11, Pike Court, Fleetwood, Lancs. FY7 8QF, Great Britain. The cost is to be written for. This magazine is edited by Jenny Randles, described as a famous British UFO researcher who is highly respected and not prone to the 'gullible syndrome'. Her cases are considered good and well-examined. The magazine includes editorial comments, explanations, new and old cases, and letters.

Recommended Books on Abductions

Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens by Dr. John E. Mack: Available in paperback from Arcturus Books Inc. for US$6.95. This book contains case histories of 13 abductees interviewed and hypnotized by Dr. Mack, who is convinced they were not hoaxing or mentally ill. Mack has investigated over 200 cases. The book is recommended for understanding how individuals react to abduction experiences, regardless of belief.

Without Consent by Philip Mantle: Price obtainable on request from Mantle at 1, Woodhall Drive, Batley, W. Yorkshire, ENGLAND WF17 7SW. The book is noted as a surprise from Britain, showing that abductions are not exclusive to the USA. It reads easily and contains interesting case histories, though follow-ups are suggested. Mantle is believed to have had personal involvement in many cases, making the reporting reliable.

UFOs and Abductions in Brasil by Irene Granchi: Published by Horis House, 1995, for US$14.95 in paperback, obtainable from Acturus Books Inc. This is the first comprehensive book on UFO sightings in English by a Brazilian. Irene Granchi headed CISNE, the Brazilian investigation team, and her stories are from first-hand experience and reliable reports. She is described as a diligent interviewer who has persisted in reporting cases over 20 years.

Abduction Blues

A poem titled 'Abduction Blues' expresses fear of going to bed due to potential voices urging the speaker to go through doors into a craft of several floors. The speaker describes hiding in a bag with a metal zip and lock, and climbing into a drawer. The poem concludes with the speaker's fear of being scared away or, conversely, of the entities staying.

Conclusion

The author states that the UFO phenomenon is currently in an exciting time of momentum. They suggest that either visitations from other dimensions, time, or planets are real, or there will be a prosaic explanation from 'Those Who Know.' The author notes that Dr. John Mack is taking a stand, Ray Santilli is presenting an alleged alien dissection from the Roswell incident of 1947, and Stan Deyo reportedly told an audience that President Bill Clinton would present the full Roswell Case findings in October 1995. The conclusion is that the current situation is not static.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are personal UFO sightings, the investigation and reporting of these events, and the promotion of UFO research resources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a desire to share information and experiences within the UFO community, while also providing critical assessments of research and publications. The inclusion of letters from diverse sources (different ages, geographical locations) suggests an effort to represent a broad spectrum of UFO interest.