Failure to payback rental deposit

I had app**** to rent an apartment from Broadwalk heights (Pretoria East). Once my application was approved, I made a payment of R5950 to secure the place. 3 days later , I called the agent, that I need to cancel and will no longer need to occupy the apartment due to personal reason.

I had not signed any paper work nor moved into the apartment. After numerous emails, with no response from the agent (Carel Wentzel and Stefan Van Wyk) they finally responded and asked why am I canceling and that I cannot just change my mind just like that. They need prove, even though I had mentioned it was due to a personal reason.

I Mentioned to the agent that, they can charge me for a cancellation fee. And after few days they came back and mentioned that the cancellation fee is a full deposit and I need to call them in the new year (2021) and they will see what they can do.

I reached out to the agent on the 15 January 2021. Till this day , no response