Deposit ripe off

Went to rent a car at dollar Thrifty Nelspruit airport and before my departure the guy who check listed the vehicle did not check list the spare tyre with me and when I returned the vehicle after three days the guy who inspected the vehicle told me the car spare tyre was flat I responded in shock that I was not even aware that there was a spare wheel on the car..I proceed to their office to sign in the car and request for my deposit of R2000 and that's when I told the cashier that the guy who signed out the car with me did not check list the spare tyre with me and now I'm told it's damaged he looked at the person who signed me out and said he always tells the guy to check list spare wheels before signing out cars.An hour later I called them to enquire about my deposit I was told an email was sent to the bank and I'll be receiving my money within 72 hours I waited for the 72 hours when I saw there was no sign of my Money I called them to ask why my deposit has not been paid that's when I was told I won't be getting my deposit because I damaged their spare wheel also to my surprise dollar Thrifty staff asked how could I have missed that the guy hasn't check listed the spare wheel with me like it was my job to know what should be checked before departure