Samsung and the consumer ombudsman

What is the point of having an ombudsman? Is there anyone who reported a case with the ombudsman and actually got help? We filed a complaint against Samsung with them and they sided with it despite the fact were clear.

We bought a Samsung microwave at Hirsch early last year and within 6 months it started giving us problems. It would just switch itself off when we were cooking rice. We took it back to Hirsch and after a couple of weeks they told us it was fixed and we went and fetched it. Another few months go by and we were back to square one.

We took it back again to Hirsch and told them we wanted a refund. However they said only Samsung could refund us. But Samsung said they will fix it and then turned around and said there was nothing wrong despite us telling them the microwave does this intermittently.

So we took our complaint to the Ombudsman. What a bunch of clowns! Their answer was that since the microwave broke AFTER 6 months we were no longer covered. So Samsung does not have to refund us. Really! A brand new microwave which we even bought for an extended warranty for.

I'd like to hear from one person who actually has success after they lodged a complaint with the ombudsman. Aren't these people paid from our taxes? If they can't protect the consumer then why do they even exist? Is this a job for pals scheme? Do they even have any training? Should we hire lawyers in order to stop Samsung from abusing their customers because the ombudsman is certainly not doing that.

My advice to you is you buy a Samsung product, your rights mean nothing to them and consumer ombudsman.