I will keep posting until I get an actual response

We rented a VW combi 8 seater in November, ref ********** . While traveling on the N1 near Hamanskraal, we had a tire blowout (no warning, wobble, flat etc.) and nothing in the road. When the vehicle was returned to Lanseria, we dutifully pointed out the ruined tire to the attendant. She assured us that it was not a problem. I received a mail from Evelyn Naidoo regarding a claim registration on 19/11/18 ref 44199. To my dismay, I then saw a deduction of R2066.29 from my credit card. I tried contacting Evelyn, first by mail, then by phone. No luck. Got hold of her around 30/11/18, where she told me that her computer was broken and she was working from another office. On Sunday 02/12/2018, I received a mail from her stating that "...that the amount of R2066.29 formed part of your rental, excess and admin fee. I have requested the documentation from the branch and the quotation for the repair, I should revert back to you shortly" That was unfortunately the last. I have not had any other response after mails and phone calls. It’s not a question of cost, it’s a question of liability. If I’m driving the speed limit, on a national road, and the wheel falls off, am I liable? I know it sounds like I’m simplifying things, but that’s basically what happened. There was nothing in the road, I didn’t hit anything, and we had just stopped at a toll booth, there was no puncture. How can I be guaranteed that the wheel wasn’t damaged or had a shoddy repair done prior to me leasing the vehicle? Tires don’t just explode for no reason. I had my entire family, including my 3-month-old son in the vehicle.