Denied claim

My Cellini suitcase had been tampered with and built in locks damaged and bag unzipped on my flight from Durban to East London on 11th November. I immediately filed a report and the attendant took relevant pictures and assured me that it will be dealt with as he could see the obvious interference. I now receive a call informing me that my claim for damages to my suitcase was denied as the airline does not cover the said damages.