Absa bank ATM failed to deposit cash in bank account

On Tuesday 14/05/2024 I attempted to deposit R4,850.00 cash into my Absa bank account at the Absa Northmead square branch. After a few minutes the machine provided a slip stating deposit unsuccessful and then just returned the card not my cash. The next morning I was at the branch and the consultant told me I will have my funds back by Friday 17/05/2024 - I told her there is no way I can wait that long and she said she will follow up and push the department responsible for that. On 15/05/2024 and 16/05/2024 I called the complaints department to follow up on the process and both times they told me that a consultant has not even touched my query and that I have to wait 5-7 business days. They treat the matter as if it is not a big deal and sigh when I ask them if they can escalate the matter as I cannot wait that long. That is money that belongs to me! My money and the bank is refusing to give it back unless I wait more than a week. You have no idea the stress you are putting a person through by taking their money, regardless if it is R100 or R5,000. This is extremely frustrating and I will be leaving the matter here!