Fedex Express overinflated VAT charges and /or employees Phishing ****?

I'm not sure if I'm being ****med here as the seller I bought from usually used Iparcel which included customs duty payments in the shipping price. Unfortunately they used Fedex this time. I received the email below from Sipho Malindi regarding a package I'm expecting from the US. I've emailed Sipho these questions but haven't received a response:

1. - Why am I being charged R517.80 VAT on R442.55 duty charges? Is SARS aware of this 117% markup?

2. What is the R150 ROD charge for? And why is the account the payment must be made to called ROD and not FEDEX?

3. Where am I supposed to see the payment reference?

4. Why am I given the option to pay by credit card in the email on some random link, (which is usually a big red flag of phishing) when your virtual assistant states online: "Shipments billed to FedEx accounts can be paid via Cheques or Bank Transfers. We do not accept Credit Card payments from account holders."

5. What is OZOW? Is it even legit?

If FEDEX Express could respond that would be great!

================================= Dear valued customer I trust this e-mail finds you well. Please be advised that we are experiencing problems when receiving proof of payment directly from the bank. Please request that the proof of payment notification is sent to yourself which in turn should be mailed to FedEx.

Please find attached the invoice and clearance paperwork. >>>>>Please note that FedEx has partnered with OZOW electronic payment system for instant payments, please contact the agent for a OZOW link, this can be sent by either SMS or Email. Banking Options: Electronic Payment and Direct Deposits Standard Bank. Account Name: ZA ROD Account Number: 30 170 736 7 Type of Account: Business Current Account Account held at: Sandton Branch Code: 01 8105 Date Account Opened: 2019/04/26 Registration Number: *** >>>Credit Card Should you wish to pay by Credit Card please contact the agent and they will forward you a link to process the payment via a secure site.

Please note: FedEx Express has a time definite commitment to the sender in order to deliver the shipment. Therefore, the documentation has been pre cleared through ZA Customs prior to the arrival of your shipment. In order to speed up the delivery of your shipment upon arrival, payment must be received by FedEx within 48 hours from the customs clearance date. Please note that Fedex has a 2 day holding policy therefore if payment is not received within 48 hours of the date of the fax, an International Trace will be opened to the shipper advising the shipper of the payment delay which will cause a delivery delay once the shipment arrives in South Africa. If payment has not been received after 5 working days of the receipt of this fax/email, shipment will be returned or destroyed at the shipper's request.

Kind Regards, Sipho Malindi | Customer Relations Representative | ROD | office *** 146 Serenade Road, Elandsfontein, Rustivia 1401, South Africa | www.fedex.com

================================================ FedEx: Hello, I'm the FedEx Virtual Assistant. I'm here to help you with your questions regarding FedEx services. You: Can I pay with ozow FedEx: Shipments billed to FedEx accounts can be paid via Cheques or Bank Transfers. We do not accept Credit Card payments from account holders. You can contact FedEx Customer Service.

If you are an individual shipper without a FedEx account, you can pay by cash at all FedEx World Service centers, by credit/ debit card at select World Service Centers or in cash during a pickup.