Headaches from beyond the border.

I recently stayed in a Prominent Hotel close to OR Tambo where my Credit Card was lifted off me and the person went on to spend in excess of R 27 000-00 on my Credit Card.

I realised too late that it was missing and only cancelled it before I departed on my international flight to my work. I checked my card and no expenses were on it, but by the time I reached my destination I saw the plethora of charges. I reported it to the ***** Department who, initially were quite helpful in assisting me, asked me a few questions and that's where it went upside down.

I'm a Prestige Banking client for the very simple reason that when I'm overseas I want someone I can speak to that can resolve my headaches. It's now been 4 weeks, I still do not have a replacement card available. I still don't know where we are in the process of the investigation. I've had the last transaction of over R 7000.00 refunded and that's great. However I still want to know how were they able to somehow spend nearly 5k over my allowed limit on the card? How did my card not get flagged for multiple transactions at a single outlet, when it's been blocked for buying flowers online for less. I would also like to know why not a single person has been able to speak to me regarding what's happening next? I just kept getting told someone will contact me and no one ever does.

This situation has left me so bitter that I'm considering moving my banking elsewhere to accommodate my needs as South African working abroad.

What makes it worse is that I have my private banker on call, but he doesn't even bother responding to me. So why do I bother paying extra for a service that doesn't exist?