Hospitals are expected to provide security as a matter of routine, especially in their maternity sections.

Hospitals are expected to provide security as a matter of routine, especially in their maternity sections.

This reminder comes against the background of a catalogue of instances of newborn babies being snatched by strangers from the maternity sections of hospitals.

The kidnappings are usually attributed to security lapses and the negligence of nurses.

It is unbelievable that babies are still being snatched from hospitals, despite all the warnings and experiences from which they should have learnt.

And it is shocking that a two-day-old baby could be stolen from Coronation Hospital in Johannesburg with both nurses and security staff in full attendance.

The hospital's management must swiftly investigate this gross negligence and bring the culprits to book.