Life in exchange for cables?

I was browsing through The Star and came across this news where a police officer was killed while on duty. After reading further, i realize that he was shot dead by his counterpart while chasing someone trying to steal some cables from roadside. The link tothe news is as follow: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/24/nation/2886575&sec=nation

I was wondering, if found guilty of stealing cables from some location in town, does it carry a death sentence or wounded limbs? I was wondering why live bullets were fired towards the guilty guy caught stealing cable and running for life in order not to be capture? Wouldn't that be a natural instinct for a 'criminal' as a whole to be running for their dear life? I was having in mind that a great cop will be chasing for the thief for 9 whole streets to capture the thief, but instead bullets was chasing after their pitiful soul. They indeed should be punish for doing such an act where it could be a danger to the public and also inconvenience to whom the cable might be linked to, but does the sentence equivalent to death?

Hmm... I am really wondering and would really like to have a look at the photo of the two policeman, would they be two fat guy doing their patrol daily with their dose of teh tarik with roti canai or nasi lemak whereby they no longer fit to run and decided to send their best pal to go after the thief, in this case would be refering to the loyal one time use only, bullets of a .35mm. If that is the case, then i rest my case with a giggle (even someone died in the process, but what has happened to our police force? I was visiting Hong Kong, their police personnel was in tip top condition, bet they can chase you 9 streets!!!)

Lesson of the day: Thief, robbers and those small time criminal not equip with any weapon, DO NOT run, else you will be shot!!! Squad down and don't let them chase after you, else the bullets will come after you.