Refusal to refund R13 000 for rent and deposit

We were advised by Nolando Vilakazi executive assistant for Burmain to deposit R13 000 for rent , rental deposit and R1000 for administration and complete two applications forms for two developers. She explained that since its short notice and she doesn't have transport we will view and sign lease when occupying leased unit. My deposit and rent will be safe. On the 30th November she told me that the flat is not vacant and tenant doesn't allow viewing while his furniture is still inside but she managed to take picture. the afternoon of the 1st December we went there with a loaded truck only to find the unit was not ready for occupation ,I couldn't sign the lease or take occupation . The agent refused to refund my money, keep telling me stories , we where instructed to take another unit for a month while she continued searching for another accommodation and held hostage for a while with my daughters until i threatened to call the police. She later told me she transferred my money to the care taker/developer. It is unclear why Burmain acted as a principal and not an agent and on behalf of the applicants when paying the person in question without an enforceable contract in place. She promised my deposit and rental money will be safe.

Burmain decided to keep the balance without consulting us is unclear and as a reasonable person with prior agreements with Burmain. We trusted Burmain for providing protection of our deposit in its trust account and that due diligence would be exercised when dealing with our money.

Now the managers are rude and disrespectful and not taking liability while my family is without money for rental. This is not the first incident. March this year I struggled getting my deposit. The same Nolando was helpful while management ignored my pleas.

Nolando Vilakazi told me if I sue her the company works with lawyers payment of legal fees won't be a problem, she is the bosses favorite. The matter will drag until I give up.

She said I should be thankful she hasn't blocked me yet.

The company refunded R1300 instead of R13 000.