UFO AFRINEWS - No 17

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No. 17
Date: February 1998

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, a publication focused on UFO phenomena, particularly within Africa, presents a range of articles, case studies, and discussions. The cover features the magazine's title and an illustration of a flying saucer over a map of Africa, with the issue date and number prominently displayed.

Editorial

The editorial section reiterates the magazine's commitment to reporting on African UFOs. However, this particular issue broadens its scope due to the editor's attendance at the 50th Anniversary of Modern UFOs MUFON Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The editor, Cynthia Hind, shares her experiences from a 3½ month trip to the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Israel, noting that while not entirely UFO-focused, the trip provided significant insights into the UFO world. Hind expresses a slight disappointment that the MUFON conference heavily concentrated on the Roswell 1947 crash, suggesting it's time for the USA to move beyond this singular event, while acknowledging Stanton Friedman's crucial role in uncovering details about Roswell. The editorial also touches upon the perceived lack of dedication among younger scientists in the field and the challenges of UFO research in Africa compared to the USA.

Key Articles and Case Studies

Close Encounter in Mutare (Case N°133)

This section details an encounter experienced by a man named Stuart, a primary school teacher, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, likely in late 1988. Stuart describes witnessing a hovering, bluish-grey, rugby ball-shaped object with spikes. He experienced temporary paralysis and heard a high-pitched, winding sound. The object emitted flashing green, blue, and orangey-red lights. The magazine is following up on details, including identifying a girl who was present during the event.

UFO Effects

This article explores various phenomena associated with UFO sightings based on investigations over 20 years. It covers:

1. Sounds: Often, no sound is heard, emphasizing the silence surrounding UFOs. Some reports mention intermittent hums, steady intervals, or buzzing. The Stuart case mentioned a 'soft engine sound' like a transformer.
2. Smells: Unusual smells are reported, including ozone and a strong scent reminiscent of 'Durban harbour' (oil, tar, sea water) in one African case. The Varginha case in Brazil reported a smell of 'dead or rotting flesh'.
3. The Aliens: Entities are categorized into 'Greys' (small, with large slanting eyes, telepathic communication) and 'Nordics' (tall, human-like, blonde or white hair). The article notes that Greys appear to lack human emotions but can be reassuring. Nordics are described as attractive and possibly leaders of the Greys.
4. Paralysis: Witnesses often feel paralyzed and unable to move when approached by aliens, as illustrated in Case N°133. The Macheke case (1975) describes a witness being hit by a beam of light and held immobile.
5. Radiation Effects: The case of Danie van Graan in Loxton, South Africa, is cited, where he was hit by a beam of light and subsequently developed cancer, dying in 1981. This is noted as a rare but serious effect in African cases.

One of the Earliest Recorded UFO Cases (Case N°134)

This case, originally published in FLYING SAUCER REVIEW and reprinted here, details an event in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1946. It involves sisters Vida Goldsworthy and Mrs. Naudwin, who witnessed a UFO during a night walk shortly before Mr. Naudwin's demobilization from the South African Army.

Du Toit's Kloof Case ('Smelly UFO')

This case, referenced as Case N°7, is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Udo Wartena Case (1940)

Presented as one of the more interesting cases from the MUFON Symposium, this account involves Udo Wartena, who encountered a large, disc-shaped object near his mining claim in Montana, USA. A being descended from the craft, requested water (which was extracted for fuel), and claimed the beings were 600-900 years old and knew 500 languages. The being also stated that 'they' mingle with humans and gather information, but cannot interfere. Udo was advised not to tell anyone about the experience.

Other Mentions

• A Little Bit of Astronomy: Listed in the table of contents, suggesting a related article.
• Lights in the Sky: Listed in the table of contents.
• Roswell Crash: Discussed in the editorial and implied to be covered in more detail within the issue.
• Letters to the Editor, Book Review, Analysis of UFO Quiz, New Books Recommended: Standard magazine features.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes reporting on UFO phenomena within Africa, aiming to inform readers about events and cases that might otherwise be unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, acknowledging the importance of witness testimony and investigative research, while also expressing critical views on the overemphasis on certain cases like Roswell. The publication encourages scientific rigor but does not dismiss the more unusual or paranormal aspects of UFO reports. The editor also highlights the challenges and unique aspects of UFO research in Africa.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, identified as Case N° 7 and published in June/May 1989/1990, focuses on "Further Reports on Previous Cases." The magazine covers a range of UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics, primarily from South Africa and Zimbabwe, with some international context.

The Langham Hotel Case

The issue begins with a detailed account of a UFO sighting by two women, Mrs. Naudwin and Vida Goldsworthy, behind their building near the Langham Hotel. They observed a silent, hovering object, described as rounded like a saucer with a central ball. The object was approximately 25-30ft in diameter and 15ft high, with a brownish rim, white center, and golden ball. A clicking sound preceded the central ball detaching and reattaching, supported by two dark pillars. Two human-like figures, about 7ft tall, fair-complexioned, with short fair hair, wearing all-white uniforms, were seen. The women initially assumed it was a military device. The object rotated anti-clockwise and disappeared within two minutes. The event was not reported at the time, as they believed it to be a secret military craft. Vida Goldsworthy later shared her story in 1979 at age 78. The report notes that the Luthjes Langham Hotel was located at the corner of Kerk and Von Wielligh Streets in Johannesburg. A map from the late 1940s is included, showing the area.

Du Toit's Kloof Case

This section revisits a UFO event reported in UFO AFRINEWS in June 1989 and May 1990, which occurred in Du Toit's Kloof, South Africa. Henry, an engineer, encountered a man who invited him into a discoid object, about 10-15 meters in diameter and four meters tall. Inside, Henry learned that the craft functioned without engines, using levers to annul gravity with a heavy fluid circulating inside a tube, which he thought might be mercury. The man stated this fluid was not obtainable on Earth. This story was published in FATE magazine in January 1993, prompting international commentary, including from scientists. It's mentioned that anti-gravity negation was being experimented with in Finland.

Gyroscope Propulsion Becomes a Reality

This report, from The Sunday Telegraph (September 21, 1997), discusses a claim by Japanese scientists at Tohoku University, led by Hideo Hayasaka and colleagues at Matsushita, of generating 'anti-gravity' using a spinning gyroscope. The effect is described as feeble but not explainable as experimental error. The report notes that such claims have existed for about 10 years and are controversial, as accepted physics suggests no object can generate anti-gravity. The potential implications, such as exceptional strength and reduced fuel needs for space exploration, are discussed. It also mentions a Russian scientist, Eugene Podletnov, who withdrew a paper on an anti-gravity machine in 1996.

A Little Bit of Astronomy

This section includes two brief astronomical notes:

• The Stretching of our Solar System: It discusses object 1996 TL66, a frozen piece of ice and rock beyond Pluto, estimated to be 490 Kms across, with an orbit up to 19.5 billion Kms from the sun, indicating a larger solar system than previously thought. It also mentions the Kuiper Belt near Pluto.
• The Voyage of Cassini: This describes the Cassini spacecraft, launched on October 13, 1997, on a four-year journey to study Saturn's rings and moons, including its largest moon, Titan. It will use gravitational pulls of Venus, Earth, and Jupiter to gain speed and is expected to arrive in 2004. The craft weighs 12,346 lbs and is described as dish-like with a long round body.

Unknown Star

In October 1997, astronomers discovered a previously unknown star, named the Pistol Star, burning with the brightness of 10 million suns. Identified using NASA's Hubble telescope, it cannot be seen from Earth with the naked eye due to interstellar dust. Its radius is estimated between 93 and 139.5 million miles. If placed at the center of our solar system, it would engulf the sun and inner planets. The star is named after its pistol-shaped nebula, estimated to be four light years in diameter.

Lights in the Sky

This section presents several reports of unidentified lights:

• A. Kadoma, Zimbabwe (February 1997): A witness saw a stationary object, flat at the base with a rounded top and red lights, emitting a bright white light beam before moving south at high speed.
• B. Durban/Vryheid, South Africa (1980): A family witnessed an orange glow in their rooms, and later saw a large star-like object that swayed and shot off north.
• C. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (1977): A beautician reported seeing an object that looked like glass, made no sound, and moved at high speed after turning.
• D. Harare, Zimbabwe (September 11, 1997): Barry Smith saw a flashing white light moving very fast (estimated 4000 kph) towards Harare Airport, later observed with double flashes.
• E. Banket, Zimbabwe (August 30, 1997): Des Carter witnessed a large, bright candle-flame yellow light that moved slowly, then accelerated rapidly and disappeared without noise.
• F. Chete Gorge, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe (August 29, 1997): Adam and Dorothy, along with eight other witnesses, saw strange lights, described as an arrowhead formation or rockets, flying north into Zambia.
• G. Mana Pools, Zambezi River (August 29, 1997): Malcolm Brown reported seeing strange lights, described as an arrowhead formation, while camping.

Roswell Crash

This section discusses the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. It notes that the event is considered to have ushered in the modern UFO syndrome. The article recounts various official explanations provided by the US government over time: initially a "Raudive Balloon," then a "Mogul Balloon" (a top-secret device for detecting Russian nuclear explosions), and more recently, "high altitude test dummies of 6'3" men." The latter explanation is criticized by sceptics like Philip Klass, who points out that dummies of that size did not originate until 1953, while the Roswell crash occurred in 1947. Reports of recovered bodies consistently described small humanoids, not 6'3" dummies. The article concludes by questioning the evasiveness of US government explanations.

Letters to the Editor

This section features letters from readers:

• 'Ray' from Cape Town, South Africa: Describes a strange experience with a slide showing three bright orange-red dots, which he now realizes might be UFOs.
• Hamad Siddiqui from Manama, Bahrain: Expresses anxiety about UFOs and shares an incident where friends saw two to three flashing lights over the ground in Budaiya.
• Trust Muteera from Mutare, Zimbabwe: A student interested in becoming a Ufologist, asking about training and the potential dangers of dealing with unknown life forms. He also mentions a personal sighting of a shining silent dish.
• Andrew Crowley from Frankston, Australia: Reports on UFO sightings near Lake Kariba in 1994, including a "Stealth UFO" dubbed the 'Silent Vulcan,' which he had personally sighted in 1992. He notes that sightings have decreased since 1996 but might return.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly in Southern Africa, investigations into alleged UFO events, and discussions on related phenomena such as anti-gravity and astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific claims while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The magazine aims to document these events and provide information to its readers, as indicated by the "Lights in the Sky" section and the letters from readers.

This issue of UFO Magazine, published by Horus House Press, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and related mysteries. The content includes reader correspondence, a book review, an analysis of a UFO quiz, and recommended new books.

Reader Correspondence and Incidents

The magazine opens with a letter from Australia detailing mysterious cattle mutilations in N.S.Wales in 1995, where animals' udders, cheeks, and tongues were removed without spilling blood. The author speculates that 'Silent Vulcan' might be responsible and using the parts for alien cloning technology. The correspondent inquires about similar animal deaths or missing persons in other countries, particularly in the Kariba area in 1994.

A response addresses the incident over Kariba on September 14th, 1994, stating that the craft was not an American Stealth Bomber. Dozens of witnesses described it as flying slowly, on fire, and very low over Harare. The descriptions were likened to an ejected Russian nose cone or a Boeing 737, neither of which were in the area at the time. The response also notes that there have been no reported wild animal mutilations in Zimbabwe since the War of Liberation (approx. 1972-1980), apart from poaching, and no missing person reports from the Kariba area in September 1994.

Another account describes an incident involving a farmer named Moises, who, while returning home one night, encountered a bright light and felt paralyzed. He was allegedly sucked up into a craft described as being as large as a house, suspended for several minutes, and then dropped. The craft reportedly returned, and he was again pulled upwards, held for about 15 minutes, and then dropped roughly to the ground. Moises experienced pain, terror, and vision difficulties, taking weeks to recover.

Book Review: UFO Danger Zone by Bob Pratt

The magazine features a review of Bob Pratt's book, 'UFO Danger Zone,' published by Horus House Press in 1997. The reviewer, who knows Pratt, praises his thoroughness and honesty in investigating UFOs, particularly in Brazil. Pratt is described as conducting first-hand research, often travelling to Brazil. The book is noted for its clear presentation of cases, including precise details of time, place, and date. A significant aspect highlighted is Pratt's work with Major (later Lt. Col.) Uyrange Hollanda and soldiers, suggesting governmental interest in UFOs despite official denials. The reviewer considers Pratt a true investigator and recommends the book for understanding events in Brazil.

Analysis of UFO Quiz

An analysis of reader responses to a UFO quiz is presented. Key findings include:

• Biblical Times: A majority believe UFOs have connections to biblical times.
• Modern Syndrome: Most readers consider UFOs a modern phenomenon, though some disagree.
• Good/Bad: Opinions are mixed, with many seeing UFOs as good, some questionable, and some bad.
• ET Acceptance: Readers generally feel humanity is not being prepared for acceptance of extraterrestrials, though some hints may be given.
• Nature of UFOs: The question of what UFOs are was the most difficult to answer, with some excellent but complex opinions.
• Living Among Us: A majority believe UFOs live among us, with some dissent.
• Government Revelation: Readers overwhelmingly believe governments should reveal what they know about UFOs, stating people are mentally prepared.
• Special Body: There is a definite consensus that a special body should be appointed to deal with UFOs.
• Public Revelation: The suggested method for revealing UFOs/ETs to the public is to 'tell the truth' slowly and surely, using practical demonstrations, emphasizing benefits to mankind, clarifying biblical misinterpretations, and publicizing recent incidents with visual aids and credible witnesses.

New Books Recommended

Two books are recommended:

• The Day After Roswell by Col. Phillip J. Corso (Pocket Books, 1997). This book is described as a startling revelation of back-engineering by the US government, possibly involving the Soviets and Germans, from crashed alien craft.
• UFO 1947-1997 edited by Hilary Evans & Dennis Stacy (Fortean Times). This is a collection of UFO sightings and stories from around the world, including perspectives from both skeptics and believers.
• Encounter by Kelly Cahill (Harper Collins). An Australian woman's personal abduction experience, reported in a fictional style but claimed to be real.
• UFOs Over Africa by Cynthia Hind (Horus House Press, 1997).

Poetry

A short poem titled "THE SHAPE-CHANGER" is included, describing a strange, angular, tall being that changes shape and is referred to as a 'mutant' from another planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, alleged extraterrestrial contact, and the investigation of these phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that takes UFO reports seriously, encouraging detailed investigation and open discussion, as evidenced by the book review and the analysis of reader feedback. There is an underlying theme of skepticism towards official government explanations and a belief in the importance of transparency regarding UFO information. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging critical inquiry and the sharing of evidence, even when it challenges conventional understanding.