I seriously doubt anyone passing by was going to try and step in to help out. The mafia has strict rules about that. Even if it's a hit and they botch it up for some reason, if they find out you came to assist the victim, you're in trouble. Their rule is you cannot touch the body. It has to stay as is until carabinieri arrive or a mafioso would come back to finish what was left undone.

Well good for them for standing up for themselves, but unfortunately in Palermo you have no chance of opening shop without paying. They may lower your pizzo but you will pay.