Makro refuses to replace a fautly 2 days old brand new phone bought cash from their store

I am writing to lay a formal complaint against Makro Centurion and Vodacom regarding the sale of a defective cellular phone and the subsequent gross mistreatment, misinformation, and violation of my rights under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 68 of 2008.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS:

1. 17 February 2026, 17:00: I purchased a samsung galaxy ao6 for cash from the Makro store in Centurion. The phone was intended as a gift. 2. 18 February 2026: The recipient opened the gift, and it was immediately discovered that the touch screen does not function properly. The phone was materially defective straight out of the box. 3. Return to Makro: I returned to Makro Centurion within the advertised 7-day return period for faulty cell phones. I was initially told by staff that a replacement would be provided immediately . 4. Misleading Information: Upon attempting the return, I was then told the phone must be sent away for assessment, taking over 14 days. When I requested a refund as is my legal right, I was refused. 5. The "Technician" Lie: Makro staff then directed me to the Vodacom shop at Centurion Lake, claiming they had an on-site technician who could assess the phone immediately. I took the phone there in good faith. 6. Vodacom's Admission: At the Vodacom store, the salesperson informed me that Makro's statement was a complete lie. They stated their technician is not qualified to make such assessments and that I had been misled. 7. Current Status: Despite never using the phone, and having owned it for only 3 days, my new property is now sitting at Vodacom awaiting an assessment. I have been told I must wait "half a month or more" without my phone or my money.