Damage of personal clothing

Myself and my wife shopped at Waterkloof branch. Whilst in the branch my wife knocked over an open bottle of liquid substance. A week later I get dressed only to find my brand new pair of pants damaged beyond re-use.<br> <br> I call up the store manager only to be told I should have reported this within 24 hours.<br> <br> Now my thinking is:<br> I could always present my slip on the day of the incident.<br> Why are they unable to find out what the bottle contains.<br> Who cleaned the floor.<br> Why do they not look at my clothing to view the damage and take a possible decision if in fact the substance could have damaged my clothing.<br> <br> This is not rocket science. <br>