Thief Who Stole Shampoo & Lotion at a Sabah Hypermarket Gets Beaten Up by The Public, Sparks Debate

Recently, a video of a man getting beat up for trying to steal 2 bottles of shampoo, a lotion and several other items from a hypermarket in Semporna, Sabah, went viral.

The incident which took place at Jalan Bugaya on Wednesday (December 28) was caught on a video. In the video, a couple of the staff members of the hypermarket and members of the public were seen to be kicking, slapping and punching the man before eventually holding him on the ground.

Following the incident, Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah explained that a police report over the theft case was lodged.

He said a hypermarket staff had tried to stop the 40-year-old suspect who was involved in the thefts of items at the store and that the suspect attempted to flee in a car when he tried to apprehend him.

“But the suspect drove recklessly into another car and a van, damaging the vehicles. He was then caught by the workers,” Supt Mohd Farhan said in a statement.

A reasonable reaction?

The video of the incident as well as images of it has gone viral on social media. It has caused a debate on whether or not it was right for the members of the public to take actions into their own hands by beating up the man.

The majority of users appeared to think that it was unfair for people to beat up the alleged thief as he might’ve been stealing those items out of desperation or for his family.

“It’s not like he’d get rich for stealing all of that. Think, maybe he was stealing because he had no other choice.”

Another commented, “Stealing necessities, maybe he doesn’t have money. Think and see before beating someone up.”

“Stealing is wrong, but those who make up their own rules are worst. Apprehend him and hand him to the police. Don’t beat him up,” said another user.

Where do you stand on this matter? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Bangladeshi Thief Willingly Cuts Short Career by Begging Police to Save Him From Angry Mob