The incident began on the evening of June 26, 1972, around 8:00 p.m., when Bennie Smit’s farm workers noticed an unusual light in the bush. Initially thinking it might be a fire, they reported it to Smit. Concerned about potential poachers or a fire hazard, Smit decided to investigate. He armed himself with a .303 rifle and proceeded to the location of the light.
When Smit reached the area, he encountered a bizarre sight: a hovering, egg-shaped object that emitted a vivid, star-like light which flashed intermittently. The object’s initial color was described as gun-metal blue-black, which later changed to a coal-red hue. This light and color-changing feature made the object appear otherworldly and immediately heightened the sense of mystery.
Police Involvement
Realizing the peculiarity of what he was witnessing, Smit contacted the local police. Warrant Officer P. van Rensburg and Sergeant P. Kitching responded to the call and arrived at the scene around 9:00 a.m. on June 27. Both officers, along with Smit, observed the hovering object and tried to get closer to it. However, as they approached, the object moved just out of reach, seemingly reacting to their presence and the noise made by the farm workers.
Attempts to Engage
In an attempt to interact with or perhaps scare off the object, Smit and the police officers decided to fire at it. They discharged fifteen rounds from Smit's rifle, and it was noted that the seventh round appeared to hit the object, producing a dull thud sound. This impact caused the object to rock back and forth and change color from green to yellow, indicating a response to the external force, yet it showed no signs of typical damage.
Departure
After about an hour of observation and interaction, the object performed an extraordinary maneuver. It turned 90 degrees, rose vertically, and then moved off into the distance until it was no longer visible. As it ascended, it made a distinctive humming noise that Smit and his family reported hearing over their house. This sound added another layer to the eerie and otherworldly nature of the encounter.
Physical Evidence
One of the most compelling aspects of the Fort Beaufort UFO incident is the physical evidence left behind. Investigators found nine imprints in the hard clay soil where the object had been hovering. These imprints were arranged in three sets of three, suggesting some form of landing gear or support structure. Additionally, there were reports of burn marks and other disturbances in the area, further substantiating the presence of an unusual object.
The soil within the area showed unusual chemical properties, including higher concentrations of calcium and soluble salts, as well as a previously unknown crystalline structure. These physical traces provided tangible evidence that something extraordinary had occurred on Smit's farm, making the incident more than just a mere sighting.
Eyewitness Reactions
The incident had a profound impact on the witnesses. Bennie Smit, his family, and the police officers were left bewildered and somewhat apprehensive about what they had encountered. The detailed observations and the physical interaction with the object provided a strong basis for their accounts, lending credibility to the event.
Media Attention and Impact
The sighting quickly garnered media attention, both locally and internationally. Newspapers around the world reported on the event, bringing it to the attention of UFO researchers and enthusiasts. The incident became a topic of discussion and debate within the ufology community, with various theories being proposed to explain the sighting.
Theories and Speculations
Several theories have been proposed to explain the Fort Beaufort UFO incident. Some skeptics suggested that the object might have been a misidentified conventional aircraft or a piece of experimental technology. However, the object's behavior, appearance, and the physical evidence left behind made these explanations less convincing.
Another theory posits that the object was of extraterrestrial origin. The egg-shaped craft, its ability to change colors, and the physical traces it left behind suggest a level of technology and capability beyond what was known at the time. This theory remains popular among UFO researchers and enthusiasts, who view the incident as a potential encounter with an extraterrestrial vehicle.
Legacy and Significance
The Fort Beaufort UFO incident remains one of the most well-documented and significant UFO cases in South Africa. The combination of detailed eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and the involvement of law enforcement adds credibility and intrigue to the case. It has been featured in various publications and documentaries, contributing to its enduring legacy.
In the years following the incident, the area around Fort Beaufort became a point of interest for UFO enthusiasts and researchers. The incident also had a cultural impact, with local businesses and establishments referencing the event. For example, a local tavern named itself the "UFO Bar" and decorated it with flying saucer motifs, adding a touch of humor and local color to the story.
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