Venice – A sudden illness at the Zattere. On the ground, dead: Sorin Marian Postolache, 47 years old, a Romanian citizen “known” or “infamous” in Venice by the nickname Mika. Profession: pickpocket abundantly known to the police. A specialist in snatching in the tourist alleys. A lagoon Lupin. To reconstruct Mika’s last hours of life, one must rely on the accounts of some witnesses. First version: the 47-year-old reportedly suddenly collapsed while walking with three other people (possibly accomplices).
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Alternative and more accredited story: Mika reportedly collapsed to the ground while running away from his last street theft at the Frari, in the area of the basilica displaying Titian’s Assumption, overcome by the fatigue of the last raid. A “death on the job,” according to what was published on the social board “Veneziani non distratti”: shortly before the health alert, there had indeed been a pickpocketing incident against an elderly tourist couple, robbed of their wallet (taken from their backpack) and even life-saving medications. The intervention of rescuers called to the Zattere by passers-by’s calls to 112 was useless.
Brief and sad chronicle. 12:30 PM on Wednesday, August 26. Here is the telegram-style message posted on Venice’s online anti-crime board: “Elderly couple just pickpocketed in Frari area. 4 male thieves including Dragan and Mika. Documents and life-saving medications stolen”. Outside the basilica, open for a funeral, according to the Corriere Veneto’s report, many people were present. Eyes that saw, word-of-mouth that spread, the alleys and social media. Half an hour later, Mika himself was reportedly sighted in Fondamenta delle Zattere. The run, the illness: the heart attack. The 47-year-old never regained consciousness.
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At the news of the pickpocket’s death, a macabre funeral celebration erupted on Facebook within minutes. If, shortly before reconstructing the facts, some citizens invoked “strong measures,” law and order, immediately afterwards on the social group “Veneziani non distratti,” indignation gave way to irony and contempt. “It’s absurd that the names are known and nothing is done!”. “I don’t want to be mean, but karma has run its course (or duty) in this case!”. “Wonderful news. I’m going to celebrate”. “Now we await the family with complaints and any requests for damages”. “Mark down the date of Mika’s funeral; the other 4567 pickpocket relatives will be there, so at least for one day, one can walk peacefully”.
He’s dead? “Mika, we’re crying”. Only a small group of citizens tried to curb the debate, raise a Mose against the tidal wave, and extinguish this ballad for little hyenas. Without success.
