UFO AFRINEWS - No 14

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue Date: July 1996
Issue Number: 14
Country of Publication: Zimbabwe
Language: English

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a strong emphasis on investigating potential hoaxes and analyzing controversial evidence. The editorial highlights the growing correlation between UFO cases and the search for water, a concept introduced by Paul Norman of VUFORS, Australia. It also touches upon the editor's personal journey in ufology over two decades and her commitment to ongoing investigations.

Key Articles and Investigations

Lesotho - Another UFO Hoax?

The lead investigation scrutinizes an alleged UFO crash in Leribe, Lesotho, in September 1995. The report is based on documents received anonymously and information from a farmer, Peter Lachasa, who reported a strange sound, a dull explosion, and a large, dull grey, disc-shaped object on his farm. The article details the alleged involvement of local police and South African intelligence, including aerial assessments by helicopters. However, the author expresses strong suspicions that the case is a hoax, citing similarities to a previous alleged hoax in Botswana orchestrated by James van Greunen. The article questions the credibility of the documents and the reported military involvement, suggesting it was James van Greunen's 'style' and personality that pointed towards his involvement.

'Why Are They Here?' - Part II: The Santilli Film

This section examines the controversial 'Alien Body Film' presented by Ray Santilli. The editor admits that while initially skeptical, the increasing evidence presented leans towards the film being genuine. The article discusses points raised by Kent Jeffrey regarding Santilli's reluctance to hand over the original film to Kodak for analysis, and the absence of a navel on the depicted entity, which is considered a significant factor in authenticating simulations. Bob Shell, an authority on photographic topics, confirms the film stock is 1947-vintage Kodak 16mm Super XX Panchromatic high-speed safety film, used by the military. Shell also identifies the camera as a Bell & Howell Filmo 70. While acknowledging that no one definitively knows the answers, the evidence increasingly favors the reality of the body. The article notes that the film's authenticity is debated, with some believing it's real, others a hoax, and some suggesting it's disinformation to distract from the Roswell inquiry.

Evidence of UFO Sunburn

This section compiles reports of 'sunburn' following UFO encounters. One case from 1965 describes a civilian experiencing hazy vision, painful eyes, and body sunburn after witnessing a large object, with medical examination comparing symptoms to ultra-violet exposure. Another report from 1978 details Police Officer Manuel Amparano's encounter with a hovering, crimson-red oval object that emitted a blue light beam, resulting in third-degree burns on his arms, face, and neck, attributed by doctors to microwave radiation.

Destruction by a UFO?

A story from Kenya in June 1954 recounts an 11-year-old boy, Laili Thindu, witnessing a brilliant light that descended and moved erratically. Later, it was reported that all the inhabitants of a nearby village, including children and animals, had died, allegedly killed by deadly rays from a disc-shaped object. The author expresses difficulty in believing such a destructive event could occur without reason.

Zimbabwean Flap of September 1994

Reports from Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, describe a large, silent object with many flashing lights observed from a houseboat. Three people took pictures, but none developed. The experience left witnesses with a feeling of disbelief and eeriness.

Triangular UFO Surprises Fishermen

In Sedgefield, South Africa, on August 7th, 1995, fishermen observed a triangular object larger than a passenger aeroplane with bright lights underneath. The object hovered, approached, turned, and disappeared rapidly.

Other Mentions and Columns

• 'A Little Bit of Astronomy': Discussed briefly.
• 'Part II of 'Intelligent Light Balls?'': Continued from a previous issue.
• 'Letters to the Editor': A section for reader correspondence.
• 'Booksellers Stocking UFO AFRINEWS': Information for retailers.
• 'Recommended Books': A list of suggested reading.
• 'In Conclusion': A concluding section.
• 'So, What Gives?': A short, philosophical poem questioning the nature and habits of aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO hoaxes, the analysis of controversial evidence like the Santilli film, and the documentation of various UFO sightings and encounters across Africa and globally. The editor maintains an open-minded yet critical approach, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and distinguishing between genuine phenomena and fabricated accounts. There is a clear stance against gullibility while also cautioning against premature dismissal of cases. The magazine aims to present detailed case studies and encourage further research into the UFO mystery.

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: Vol. 4 No. 3, Issue N°15
Date: July 1996
Publisher: UFO AFRINEWS
Country of Publication: Zimbabwe

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS presents a collection of reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations, primarily focusing on Africa, but also including incidents from Israel and Argentina. The magazine aims to document and investigate these occurrences, often providing commentary and analysis from an ufological perspective.

Case N°116: Flashing Lights, Harare, Zimbabwe

In March 1996, Justin Marabini and Nick Lynch witnessed a bright orange light in the sky near Harare. Initially thought to be a flare, the light dipped and reappeared. Later, two small stationary lights were observed flashing irregularly. The witnesses concluded it was not a star or planet.

Case N°118: Flashing Lights, Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe

On January 3rd, 1995, Mrs Connie Cloete and three other witnesses observed a large object with a flashing blue light and a revolving red light, accompanied by seven smaller objects moving in different directions and flashing like fireflies. The large object remained stationary, and no sound was detected.

Case N°117: UFO in the Fields of Afram Plains, Ghana, West Africa

This report, originally received by CUFOS in October 1991, details an incident from early 1990 where a student and his sister saw a silver, slender object resembling a jet fighter. The object appeared to target the ground, landed, and then ascended at high speed. A landing mark was found, and later, withered vegetation. The witness also reported seeing other similar objects and a 'Stetson cowboy's hat' shaped object.

Case N°119: Soundless Jets in N.Cape (South Africa)

In April/May 1976, Paul Maritz observed three dull brown, cigar-shaped, wingless objects moving fast and silently about 100 metres above the ground. They were about the size of a Mirage aircraft but lacked windows or wings.

Case N°120: The Shape Changer, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

On April 26th, 1996, Willie Robb was alerted to a bright object in the sky, possibly Venus. The object, initially appearing as illustration A, changed shape to illustration B over a 30-minute observation period without noise.

Case N°121: A Flying House, Chipinge, Zimbabwe

Moses Munyanduki reported sightings of unidentified lights and stories of a 'flying house' in the Chipinge area in 1982. The 'flying house' was described as having windows.

Israeli Sightings: Kadema, Israel

On March 20th, 1993, Carmel Zsiporet saw a silver, orange fruit container-shaped UFO resting on the ground, with five beams of light. A second similar object materialized. An entity approximately 2-2.5 metres tall, wearing a metallic overall and a 'bee-keeper' hat, was also observed. Telepathic communication reportedly occurred. The following day, landing circles were found, and subsequent investigations by Yoram Torbatian revealed peculiar trace materials, including a gelatin-like black substance, cadmium, and silicon chips.

UFO Stops Aircraft Over Bariloche, Argentina

On August 1st, Flight 734 of Aerolineas Argentinas was preparing to land when passengers were shaken by an abrupt movement of the plane. The pilot explained a blackout and inability to land. Later, as the plane lined up for landing, the crew was dazzled by an object shaped like a reversed dish with a pulsating orange light and green rays. The object stopped the plane's landing and appeared to escort it. A second blackout occurred, affecting the airport and city. The object then ascended rapidly. The crew described the object's movements as impossible for known technology.

A Little Bit of Astronomy

This section discusses recent astronomical events, including the brilliance of Venus and a mysterious vertical white light seen across southern Africa, identified as the tether of the tethered satellite system 75 from the space shuttle Columbia. It also lists upcoming asteroid passages and important astronomical dates for meteor showers and eclipses. The visibility of Comet HYAKUTAKE is also mentioned.

Part II of Intelligent Light Balls?

Roland Roeis from Namibia discusses the concept of 'intelligent light balls' as potential 6th-dimensional energy beings. He speculates that their attraction to electromagnetic devices and their peculiar movements might be related to Earth's force fields, such as 'ley lines'. The article explores the possibility of these beings observing or occasionally helping humanity without interfering.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from readers. Mr JCC Wigham asks for clarification on Linda Howe's views regarding entities not being extraterrestrial, benevolent, or neutral. John Stepkowski expresses skepticism about the 'Alien Autopsy' film, citing inconsistencies in the footage. Other letters discuss the growing interest in South African UFO sightings, the nature of 'Star People', and the difficulty of explaining UFO phenomena within human concepts. William E Jones emphasizes the importance of preserving ufological history.

Recommended Books

A list of recommended books on UFOs and related topics is provided, including titles on crop circles, human physiological effects of UFOs, and government responses to UFO phenomena. Contact information for ordering these books is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, often detailing witness accounts, physical evidence, and attempts at scientific analysis. There is a clear interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, encouraging readers to share their experiences and contributing to the preservation of ufological history. The magazine also includes astronomical observations and theoretical discussions about the nature of UFOs and their occupants, suggesting a broad interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential origins.

This document, comprising pages 36-38 of an unnamed magazine, focuses on the critical analysis of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) cases. The primary theme revolves around the importance of rigorous investigation, skepticism, and avoiding hasty judgments when evaluating witness testimonies and evidence. The issue highlights the challenges in discerning truth from hoaxes and the subjective nature of belief in UFO phenomena.

Content Analysis

Reaction to UFO Landings

The issue opens with a poem titled 'WHEN A UFO LANDS,' which humorously outlines different potential human reactions to a UFO encounter, ranging from panic to a 'War Dance,' emphasizing a desire for freedom and autonomy.

The Importance of Investigation and Skepticism

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the author's perspective on UFO investigation. The author stresses that after years of working on UFOs, the most crucial factor is to avoid immediate conclusions. The author notes that what seems truthful one week can be revealed as a scam the next. The article critiques both overly skeptical experts, like Philip Klass and Carl Sagan, who are quick to denigrate claims, and overly gullible individuals who accept every report without scrutiny. The author advocates for a deeper investigation that includes talking to witnesses, recognizing their genuine terror, assessing the impact on their lives (e.g., sleepless nights, traumatized children), examining the witness's character, and visiting the site to analyze any physical marks or residue.

Case Study: John C. of Macheke, Zimbabwe

A detailed case is presented concerning John C., a clerk from Macheke, Zimbabwe. On July 26, 1975, John C. reported being alone at home when a bright light appeared about 10 meters away, at tree-top level. He stated he was thrown to the ground, felt paralyzed, and could not move. When the light disappeared, he found his fireplace cold and the fire out, despite having been outside for an estimated three hours. The author notes several 'disturbing features' about John C., including his unreliability, heavy drinking, and haemophilia, which was confirmed by a local doctor. Despite character reports, John C. refused a medical examination, leading the author to dismiss the case as a hoax.

Subsequent Investigation and Other Cases

Several years later, the author interviewed a woman motel-owner and her manager who claimed to have been followed by a UFO from Macheke to Rusape on the same night as John C.'s experience, about two hours later. This suggests a potential pattern or related event.

The issue also references James van Greunen and his documentation of an alleged UFO crash in Botswana/South Africa. The author describes van Greunen as imaginative and seeking fame, suggesting he is "clever, but not clever enough," and that his stories have harmed the credibility of ufology. The author expresses sympathy for van Greunen, believing he could have contributed positively but instead caused harm.

The 'Alien Body Film' and Subjectivity

The article draws a parallel to the 'alien body film' shown on August 19, 1995, at Hallam University in Sheffield. Half the audience condemned it, while the other half believed it implicitly, illustrating the subjective nature of evidence interpretation.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The author concludes by posing the question of why people jump to conclusions quickly when real investigation requires significant time, analysis, and repeated visits. The issue proposes the maxim for UFO investigation: "Investigation, Neutrality, Thought and Ongoing."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the critical importance of thorough, unbiased investigation in UFO cases, the need for skepticism to counter both dismissiveness and gullibility, and the challenges in verifying witness accounts and physical evidence. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a methodical, evidence-based approach, advocating for neutrality and ongoing analysis rather than quick judgments or sensationalism. The author positions themselves as a seasoned investigator who has learned from past errors and now prioritizes careful verification before making pronouncements.