Unallocated installments payments quirie

I used Fnb Atm to deposit money for instalment payments for about 5 times. Somehow, I managed to give the wrong reference everytime I make payment but correct Account number for Mercedes Benz. I Used Branch code no instead of instead of ref no, but other details were correct.

I only realised when I was requesting vehicle ownership documents from the dealership, their Legal department advised that I'm in arrears for 6 months.

The dealership only used only two slips I presented and couldn't pick up or see unallocated funds in their bank account. Even after I gave the slips with proof of the wrong reference I've been using.

Is it likely this has now been paid to someone else's reference and I've lost the money?? Or will it be more likely to bounce back and sit in unallocated funds? I have managed to recover only 2 slips for December and January. I couldn't relocate the rest. the above matter is about the money deposited into the Car dealers's bank account. It is not lost through wrong bank account number. The account number is correct only the reference used was not located. Please note the money deposited into the suppliers bank account, therefore I suspect the money is unallocated and still there due to wrong reference. Please help