UFO AFRINEWS - No 20

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AFRINEWS
Issue: No. 20
Date: July 1999

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS presents a collection of articles and case studies related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and abduction experiences, primarily focusing on events in Africa. The magazine is edited by Cynthia Hind, with Maria Sullivan as Assistant Editor and Michael Hind and H. Livingstone Mareya handling the layout. It features a network of investigators and researchers across South Africa and the USA.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Cynthia Hind, reflects on the inherent bizarreness of some UFO stories and the challenge of discerning truth from hoaxes or hallucinations. Hind emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, including site visits, witness interviews, and the collection of physical evidence. She mentions the use of scientific instruments like Geiger counters and electromagnetometers, as well as soil sampling for expert examination. The editorial highlights the Rosmead Case (South Africa, 1975) where burnt leaves from two trees were scientifically analyzed, and notes the recurring importance of water in many UFO cases.

Key Articles and Cases

Pilot Sees Light Streak (Case N° 148)

Reported by a pilot named Paul to Cynthia Hind, this case involves a sighting in August 1998. A pilot flying from Cape Town to Johannesburg at 30,000ft was informed by Air Traffic Control of a blip on radar following his plane. The craft was reported to be traveling at Mach 12 (12,000 Kmph) and later Mach 14 (14,000 Kmph). The pilot and navigator saw a streak of light but could not identify it. Further information on this case is pending.

Those I Have Known.... Elizabeth Klarer

Cynthia Hind recounts her interviews with Elizabeth Klarer, a South African contactee. Klarer's story begins in 1957 in the Drakensberg Mountains, where she encountered a craft and its pilot, Akon, from the planet Meton. She claimed to have had a son, Ayling, with Akon but had to return to Earth alone. Hind notes Klarer's charm and intelligence, mentioning her book 'Beyond the Light Barrier'. The article also touches upon an incident involving a cairn of stones on 'Flying Saucer Hill' and a mysterious man asking for Elizabeth. A caller on a radio show confirmed that the SAAF (South African Air Force) had indeed transported Elizabeth to this location. Hind concludes that while Klarer may have sincerely believed her experiences, they could have been a 'dream-state of euphoria'.

Alien Intervention? (Case N° 147)

This section details the experiences of Kerry, interviewed by Pam Puxley in March 1999. As a child, Kerry witnessed a bright orange glow on her grandparents' farm near Lanseria Airport. Later, at age 13, she received a book on UFO sightings. Kerry reports experiencing dreams about UFOs and hearing voices, feeling a psychic connection and a lack of fear towards 'The Grays'. She recounts an experience in Knysna in 1992 where her room was filled with a blinding white light. She also describes seeing colored lights in the sky near Cape Town, which she identified as UFOs. Kerry details a recurring dream involving a craft, a computer screen showing human anatomy, and an injection with a syringe by a four-clawed entity, leaving a mark on her arm. She believes her family knows more about her experiences than they reveal.

UFO Effects

This section, though brief, touches upon potential effects of UFO encounters. It mentions the possibility of decontamination processes involving mist smelling of incense and lemons, and the observation of entities with telepathic perception. The case of Diane, who suffered from haemolytic jaundice that disappeared after an alleged alien examination, is also noted.

Book Reviews

The issue includes book reviews by Prier Wintle, specifically mentioning 'Casebook of the Men in Black' and 'The Truth Behind the Men in Black'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien abductions, and contactee experiences, with a particular focus on events within Southern Africa. The editorial stance, as articulated by Cynthia Hind, is one of cautious investigation. While acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena, the magazine emphasizes the need for empirical evidence and critical analysis to distinguish between authentic sightings, hoaxes, and psychological experiences. The publication appears to be committed to documenting these phenomena and exploring potential explanations, even when they challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, Volume 3, Number 20, published in Fall 1998, delves into a variety of UFO-related phenomena, astronomical updates, and related controversies. The magazine features reports from different parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and Sri Lanka, alongside discussions on space exploration and the enigmatic 'Men in Black'.

Case Studies and Sightings

Varginha Case and Brazilian Encounters

The issue opens with a discussion of a case from Varginha, Brazil, noting the suggestive nature of witness testimonies and the presence of a cooking oil smell prior to alleged visitor arrivals. A specific incident on January 20, 1996, involved three young girls reporting a 'greasy' creature with dark oil on its skin. The creature was reportedly captured, and the oil transferred to a fireman's clothing, leading to the uniform being burned. The mother of two of the girls later detected a smell of 'dead flesh' in the area. Another aspect highlighted is the psychological shift in abductees from fear to a 'hate-love involvement'. The article also touches upon the use of hypnosis in Zimbabwe, noting its medical prescription.

South African Sighting

A report from Graaf Reinet, South Africa, details a sighting on December 27, 1998, by the Laubsher family. They observed 8-10 objects moving rapidly, described as deltoid-shaped, travelling at approximately 12,000 Kmph at a height of 35,000 ft, and appearing to possess a magnetic field. The objects were later filmed, and an enhancement revealed their deltoid shape. A larger object, estimated to be eight times the size of a Boeing 747, appeared and moved through the group before all objects disappeared behind clouds. The video footage was sent for analysis, with assistance sought from MUFON.

Sri Lankan School Incident

An incident in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, on April 30, 1998, involved school children Indika Sampath Dissanayake and Harsha Ellawalagedera witnessing a large disc-shaped object on the school playground. The object, which flashed red and yellow lights, was described as standing on legs and then taking off at high speed. It was nicknamed 'Korka' (the stork) by the children. The object was estimated to be about 8ft in diameter and 7ft in height, making a soft purring noise initially, then becoming noiseless. Imprints in the sand were noted but were not preserved. The principal managed to photograph some flower-shaped marks. A dead white insect, resembling a large locust, was also found but lost. The local police dismissed any connection to a nearby military camp.

Zimbabwe UFO Site

Captain Frederick 'Skip' Atwater, Director of Research at the Monroe Institute, discussed the possibility of UFO bases on Earth, naming 'a maintenance and repair base at Mount Inyangani in Zimbabwe' as one of four identified locations. The others were in the French/Spanish Pyrenees, Mt Ziel in Australia, and Mt. Heyes, Alaska.

Astronomy and Space

Serious Astronomy

This section, provided by Albert Benajam, discusses astronomical findings. An earlier report in UFO AFRINEWS N° 19 mentioned the Hubble telescope picking up 50 billion galaxies. A later report from the New York Times in January 1999, based on the 'Hubble Deep Field South' experiment, estimated the Universe to have approximately 125 billion galaxies, attributing the increase to new instruments allowing deeper observation.

Pluto's Status

The article 'Pluto Stands Firm!' addresses Pluto's planetary status. It notes that Pluto takes 248 years to orbit the sun and that for two decades, Neptune was the outermost planet. It clarifies that Pluto and Neptune will not collide due to their orbital planes being tilted. E. Miles Standish of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated the planets were 2.5 billion miles apart. Astronomers are still determining Pluto's exact position due to uncertainties about its mass and gravitational interaction. A Harvard astronomer suggested relegating Pluto to 'minor planet' status, but the International Astronomical Union affirmed its planetary status in February 1999. Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh on February 18, 1930.

Travel to Deep Space

This section discusses the challenges of manned missions to neighboring planets or beyond our solar system, requiring faster means of travel. A NASA Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Workshop in Cleveland, USA, brought together physicists to explore ideas like warp drive, wormholes, and tachyons. One idea explored was faster-than-light travel without rockets or fuel, and the concept of zero-point energy in a vacuum for propulsion. The meeting was invitation-only to avoid 'fringe elements'.

Machos

Scientists believe that massive compact halo objects (machos) may constitute about 50% of the missing mass in our galaxy. They are difficult to detect but their presence is inferred from their gravitational effect on light.

Technology and Vehicles

Automatic Piloted Vehicles (APVs)

The article discusses the suspicion that Armscor/Kentron company in South Africa has advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. It references the alleged crash of a UFO engineered by James van Gruenen near the South African/Botswana border, which the author believes was a hoax due to inconsistencies in the provided documents. The author also mentions hearing about APVs controlled from a secret base used to evaluate air defence systems, with the advantage of no loss of life if shot down. Israel is noted for sharing its APV technology with other countries, including Britain, the US, and likely South Africa. The article describes Kentron's 'Stealth Target Drone' as a triangular-shaped vehicle with a conventional thrust turbine engine. The LoFLYTE, a supersonic remotely piloted aircraft, was flight-tested in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, reaching Mach 5 (5000 Km per hour).

UFO on Video

This section details a sighting in Graaf Reinet, South Africa, on December 27, 1998, where 8-10 objects were observed moving rapidly. The objects were described as deltoid-shaped, travelling at 12,000 Kmph at 35,000 ft, and exhibiting a magnetic field. A larger object, eight times the size of a Boeing 747, also appeared. The video was sent for enhancement, and a commercial TV program sought expert assistance from the USA.

UFO Effects and Implants

Recent Controversy on Implants

This section revisits the topic of implants, noting increased information since a previous mention in UFO AFRINEWS N° 19. While Africa is not typically considered abduction-prone, the article discusses Stuart's case in Mutare, where he reported a UFO sighting in 1988, temporary paralysis, and a missing rib. A young lady from Bulawayo reported a small scar above her temple, linked to a 'dream' in 1985 of being in a metal room with people performing procedures. She also experienced strange effects on electrical equipment. The article references Dr. Roger K. Leir's work, where he claims to have removed suspected metallic implants from patients, which were difficult to cut and contained a core of iron carbide. Critics, including Dr. Trevor Jordan and Barry Jones, have pointed out errors in Leir's report, suggesting that small objects could be naturally occurring or from mundane sources.

Book Reviews

Casebook of the Men in Black by Jim Keith

This review discusses Jim Keith's book, which explores the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. The author traces the history of MIBs from medieval times, drawing parallels with fairy lore and conspiracy theories. Keith suggests that MIB encounters might be interventions by military or government intelligence to silence witnesses. The review highlights the Maury Island case as an example, where Harold Dahl reported a UFO and subsequent events, including threats and suspicious deaths, occurred. The book also covers Albert K. Bender, the UMMO case, and government interventions or hoaxes.

The Truth Behind the Men in Black by Jenny Randles

This review also focuses on the 'Men in Black' phenomenon, with Jim Keith's book being a primary subject. The review emphasizes the idea that MIBs are government interventions or hoaxes, aimed at suppressing information about UFO sightings. The book's approach is described as a chronological print-out of cases, with a personal experience by Australian researcher Eric Panther being highlighted as particularly interesting. Panther's account involves a mysterious man named 'Mr. EMF' and a description of a damaged redwood tree and a hexagonal craft.

Earlier Cases and Reports

Report Back on Earlier Cases

This section revisits the 'Zamei of Dar-es-Salaam' case from UFO AFRINEWS N° 18, concerning encounters with short creatures having a single eye in the center of their forehead. Follow-up attempts proved unsuccessful. The report notes that such single-eyed beings would lack stereoscopic vision, making the story difficult to believe. It also references three cases from John and Ann Spencer's book 'Fifty Years of UFOs': five beings with one eye in Torrent, Argentina (1965); tall, slim beings with one eye in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (1963); and a blackish creature resembling a shrub with one eye in Peru (1965). The Zamei case is deemed bizarre but without apparent personal motive for reporting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS consistently explores the unexplained, presenting a mix of alleged sightings, scientific inquiry, and critical analysis. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet cautious stance, reporting on phenomena while also acknowledging the need for scientific verification and the possibility of hoaxes or misinterpretations. The recurring theme of 'Men in Black' suggests a focus on potential government cover-ups or interventions related to UFO events. The inclusion of astronomical updates indicates an interest in broader cosmic phenomena alongside terrestrial UFO reports. The editorial stance seems to favor presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging readers to critically evaluate the information provided.

This issue of UFO AFRINEWS, identified as issue number 15 and dated November 1998, delves into the complex and often unsettling phenomenon of the Men in Black (MIB).

The Men in Black (MIB) Phenomenon

The issue begins by describing encounters with MIB, noting their involvement with individuals connected to UFOs and alleged alien contactees. Bags of green yarn are mentioned as appearing on properties of those connected with EMF (Electromagnetic Field), suggesting a peculiar form of interaction or surveillance. A character named 'H' is introduced, who demands a videotape of aliens from EMF and warns him about Eric Panther, suggesting Panther is an alien. H is also linked to Swiss contactee Billy Meier and the disappearance of Frederick Valentich, possessing Valentich's last radio message tape.

Eric Panther's conclusion is presented, stating his belief that EMF is heavily controlled by a group of human and alien agencies. He expresses relief at no longer being involved, indicating the complexity and overwhelming nature of the situation.

Jim Keith's work is discussed, particularly his brief treatment of hoaxes and his examination of cases suggestive of supernatural influence. Keith questions the nature of 'Reality,' pondering if it is merely a consensus or if anything conceivable is possible. The reviewer finds Keith to be out of his depth, possibly influenced by L. Ron Hubbard's theories, with Keith alluding to Hubbard's 'Marcabians' in relation to MIB.

Jenny Randles' Research on MIB

Jenny Randles, a UFO researcher with over 25 years of experience, is presented as having a different background from Jim Keith, having investigated many of the cases herself. Randles emphasizes that UFO encounters and MIB experiences strike without warning and affect anyone, regardless of their beliefs.

A significant case detailed is that of Shirley Greenfield (a pseudonym), which is presented as a classic example of the MIB syndrome. Shirley, aged 17, experienced a UFO encounter in Bolton, UK, involving a glowing object, a 30-minute unaccountable time lapse, and physical symptoms including sore eyes, a purple rash, and crumbled dental fillings. Nine days later, two men in black suits interrogated her for three hours, using a black box they claimed was a tape recorder. They suggested the object was a RAF weather balloon and questioned her about psychic abilities.

Eight years later, Shirley underwent hypnotic regression with Jenny Randles, which uncovered the MIB visit and revealed a subliminal communication during the interrogation, suggesting a deeper, subconscious influence. This aspect is highlighted as strong proof of MIB's integral role in the UFO mystery.

Randles also covers the history of MIB cases, starting with the Maury Island incident and the silencing of Albert K. Bender in 1953 by three men who appeared to be US intelligence agents. The article notes that these MIB actions intimidate people, preventing a full understanding of MIB activity.

MIB Tactics and Evidence Confiscation

The issue highlights the MIB's success in confiscating material or photographic evidence of sightings. An example is given of a video film taken by Tom Drury in Papua in 1953, where the footage depicting a UFO was excised. Ufological groups are also mentioned as being infiltrated by individuals who do not contribute but attend meetings where important cases are discussed.

Another case involves a photograph taken in May 1964 near Carlisle, UK, which, upon development, showed a man in a space suit. Two men in black suits arrived a month later to discuss the case, taking the photographer to the marsh where the photo was taken. This case is linked to an aborted rocket launch at Woomera, Australia, in the same month, also due to a strange photographic anomaly.

The middle section of Jenny's book reviews cases from authors like John F. Keel, including the George Smyth case. In this case, three men visited George Smyth and were later identified by John Robinson as leading ufologists John Keel, Gray Barker, and James Moseley, despite Smyth never having heard of them and all three having alibis for the time of the encounter.

Supernatural and Cover-Up Theories

Following these cases, Jenny Randles begins to consider evidence for the supernatural in the UFO and MIB mystery. Chapter 14 of her book is described as a summary of the antiquity of MIB, referencing legends of sinister figures and the concept of 'second sight.' The article mentions Robert Kirk's 1691 book, 'The Secret Commonwealth,' about such people.

Despite exploring supernatural possibilities, Randles favors the government cover-up theory, suggesting that governments engage in 'horrible things' to protect 'necessary' secrets, and UFO cases can fall into this category, making UFOlogists who investigate threats.

The case of William Moore is cited, who admitted in the early 1980s to being offered information exchange by intelligence operatives in exchange for feeding disinformation. This disinformation was given to Paul Bennewitz, who was subsequently discredited and hospitalized.

Mars and Remote Viewing

The issue briefly touches on material concerning Mars, referencing a New York Times article from November 10, 1998, about Mars being a 'whistling' planet with strong winds and dust storms. Future missions, like the Mars Polar Lander, are mentioned as carrying microphones to record wind sounds and blowing dust.

A comment on Remote Viewing notes the significance of Mount Inyangani in African culture as a sacred mountain associated with a Merman-god.

Conclusion

The article concludes by posing the question of whether the supernatural or government cover-ups are the primary explanations for MIB phenomena, suggesting that both might be true and that governments may possess supernatural-like techniques. Readers are left to make their own choice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Men in Black phenomenon, UFO encounters, government secrecy, and the nature of reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting different theories and cases while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear focus on investigative journalism and the presentation of detailed case studies within the ufological community.