Beware of Booking.com "free Cancellation"

I made a booking on the 24th February using the Free Cancellation option ,because I made an error,I cancelled the booking the same day.I rebooked the same Hotel,viz Valverde eco hotel in Muldersdrift,and again chose the Free Cancellation Option. However ,I had to cancel my booking due to the Lockdown.This was done well within the "Free Cancel"period.When I got my Credit Card statement,I noticed that both amounts were charged.This should not have been deducted from my credit card in the first instance.When I queried This with the hotel ,they referred me to Booking.com.My problem has still not been resolved satisfactorily,and I am still waiting to be refunded in full after 2 months,because the Hotel apparently does not want to release my money.In the meantime my Credit Card is accruing interest on these transactions.Who is going to compensate me for this?I would like to WARN you all not to use Booking.com because Their so called 'Free cancellation" is misleading.