Cannot upgrade a sim only deal

I went to a cell c shop today to upgrade on of my three contracts only to be told I was already on a contract for that number (Kicked in last month). I remember receiving a call from cell c regarding this contract expiring and asked if I wanted to upgrade. I wasn't ready to upgrade and was offered a sim only deal to which I agreed, because sim only deals you can upgrade at any time right. Apparently not anymore. If I want to cancel this sim only contract I have to pay the full commitment.

I phoned cell c customer care, to ask for the recording but was transferred to the upgrades department.

the upgrades department said the same as the shop. "you cant upgrade because you have 24 months on this contract". I ask for the recording, but upgrades tell me they cant request recordings, I have to speak to Customer care. I get transferred again to customer care. after a lengthy explanation, I'm told they cant help me with the recording, only the upgrades department can get me that.

At this point I don't know who to trust or believe.