People are weird

It's a simple follow-up of a hijacking article. There's some holes in the story so I'm calling my usual sources at hospitals, police and emergency services.

It really is just a routine, formulaic piece.

But maybe people are still in holiday mode and have forgotten how a logical conversation works.

Ring ring. "Hello?"

"Good day, is this the Helen Joseph hospital?"

"Yes it is."

"Hi there, I'm a journalist calling from News24.com, could you perhaps put me through to your communications or PR person please?"

"No I'm sorry, this is Lion of Africa, not the hospital."

After recovering from that Little Britain-esque exchange I call ER24.

"Hello is this Mr Vermaak?"

"Yes it is."

"Hi Mr Vermaak, this is Verashni calling from News24, how are you?"

"I'm very well thanks."

"That's good. Mr Vermaak, can I ask you a few questions about the statement you've just released about the woman who was hijacked in Randburg?"

"Sure you can."

"Thank you. Okay, so you mention that her husband was thrown into the boot. Was he later released or is he still missing?"

"Sorry, can you please call me back in five minutes? I'm doing a radio interview."

.... the world has gone mad today.