Check your staff!

Checked in a bag and golf bag, wasnt asked any security questions. Got stopped at security for my leatherman. I know I was in the wrong so I went through the right channels to see what I should do as it was a gift and I dint want to lose it. Phoned airlink to see what I should do. Put the phone down in my ear. Tried again and this time somone else said they cant help me with any info on the matter. Then I went back out to the counters. The staff then said if I go wrap it in a box they can check it in as fragile. Paid for wrapping. Went back to the counters and they said I'm too late. I asked them to call the gate and say that I'm coming. They didnt call, they just looked at me as if I was asking to much. I spoke to their supervisor who halfway through speaking to me, answered a call and spoke on the phone for 2 mins. Then came back to me and said there's nothing he can do. No sense of urgency. I then went to the ticket office a lady let me leave the leatherman there so someone could fetch it. I raced back through security and the gate was closed. I missed it by 5mins. Plane was still there but I couldn't board. Went back to the ticket office and they told me I needed to buy a new ticket and to collect my bags in domestic arrivals, normally takes 10-20 mins. It's now over an hour and a half and still no bags. Spoke to airlink manager who basically told me it's my own fault.

I realise my mistake but how I was treated when I was desperately in need of help was pathetic. And how is it possible that they can take my bags off of the plane but not let me on? Poor effort by the staff here at OR Thambo.