12 month SIM locks on phones are a ****

SO be aware that when you buy a device from any of the foschini group there is a decent chance that on the side of the box it will state in small font on a sticker thats a similar color to the box that you are not allowed to hold unltill you pay for the device that the device is locked to MTN / VODACOM ( depends on the device ), some of the devices state that its only a 12 month lock on the PRIMARY sim slot - like mine apparently. This information was shared AFTER I paid for the device and the sales clerk opened the box ( because they have to show you the device is new ). I told them i don't want it anymore and they said i cannot return it as there is nothing wrong with the device so the 7 day return policy does not apply... even had the manager involved. Apparently I didn't check or ask so its my fault. You know, i'll take that hit, could atleast still use my contract sim card in the secondary sim slot. I dealt with 2G speeds on my secondary sim because I will not support MTN like this.... Well 13 months have past and the SIM lock should be gone right? NOPE. Spent 3 weeks trying to get hold of someone at MTN to get this lock removed. Eventually I was sent a link. $30 for the unlock. At no point was this shared with me, at no point did any of the documents mention this. MTN is not responding to my mails anymore. All I want is for MTN to honour the agreement THEY printed on the box.