Harcourts Fork Tongue

My lease agreement expired on the 31 July 2020. I comp**** with the lease agreement on my side. The Hartcourts Estate agent and I met on the 2 August 2020 for exit inspection. The landlord was not present. We agreed on what still needed my attention. In my opinion it was primarily wear and tear issues. There were carpets that had to be cleaned which I agreed the agent could get a quote and proceed with the professional cleaning of the carpets. The other issue was the swimming pool pump. This issue I referred to the Rental Tribunal and advised the agent accordingly. On 3 August I received a email from the estate agent that informed me that the landlord had conducted his own inspection without her present nor was I informed about him conducting his own inspection. The landlord had numerous items listed that needed attention. I disputed the list as I was not present nor estate agent. Once the carpets were professionally cleaned I requested my deposit from the estate agent. I received a response from the principal agent Benita Basson that they had paid the deposit to the landlord. The occupant prior to me renting the house had informed me he had exactly same experience from the Hartcourts. They paid his deposit to the landlord and he had to pursue his matter via the Small Claims Court to have his deposit refunded. I strongly believe that Harcourts Bellville is in cohorts with this landlord in paying the deposit to the landlord. This happened to the previous occupant and now to me. I can't believe that they gave my deposit to the landlord after confirming that the landlord was not entitled to my deposit.