DHL charging absurd penalty and cant tell us why

Ordered goods from China beginning of September. Gave all correct paperwork when asked. Paid the import duty fees of R6300 and then another fee of R320. We were then asked for tariff codes for the shipment which we had to look up and supply. We then had to pay a VOC of R1125. We were also told that we have to pay a penalty. So we waited to get the amount and we still don't know why we paying a penalty and nobody can explaining all while waiting over a month already. Then we finally got the invoice and it was for a penalty of R28500!!!!!!!!! This is more than half the value of the parcel! This is unacceptable as we have done nothing wrong and nobody can help us or explain anything to us but we paid it because we told if we dont they will not even give us the parcel and we will have to start paying storage fees!