The recompense for Stealing

Been a few weeks since this tragic incident occurred, yet the street, the building, and the road bore marks of that very past.

I was flipping through a text when I heard muffled cries, shouts, and angered chattering. It was a mob parading this young guy who they have beaten into a pulp.

I was filled with pity as I gazed through my window and tried to identify the culprit but couldn't.

Some landed critical blows on the head with solid materials, while some hurled stones at him.

What could it be that this poor guy did? I asked myself.
On a second thought, I decided to go down and ask of what was happening.

"he was the notorious thief that always stole from the market shops",
Somto answered after I asked. Somto was my lodge mate.
He went on "Can you imagine, he set 3 shops ablaze after he stole from them?"

He last statement was rhetorical but he inquired for an answer which never came.

The beatings were much for the poor lad and I knew just then that he won't survive it.
After sometime, I returned to my room and continued my study until Somto returned and narrated how the thief had collapsed and how he was identified dead afterwards.

I couldn't help but think about what desperation could cause. This was a young boy who was filled with hot blood.
If he had channeled this energy towards something worthwhile, he could be living off a cool life or even at least be alive. What surpasses life?