en_tn_condensed/job/30/04.md

the roots of the broom tree were their food

Possible meanings are 1) The people ate the roots of the broom tree. or 2) The people warmed themselves by burning the roots of broom trees (see UDB).

shouted after them as one would shout after a thief

AT: "shouted at them as though they were thieves." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile)