Refusing my warranty return

I purchased a phone, really happy with the phone. The phone came with free earphones (AirDots), these broke within the first week with under 10 hours use.

Because the earphones came in their own package I sent the earphones back to be repaired or replaced. But Takealot is refusing to assist because they expect me to send the phone too. It is a massive inconvenience to send a whole phone just because the earphones are broken. I would need a spare phone, transfer all data and apps (takes many hours) just to return a phone that is 100% where the supplier could just exchange the darn earphones without needed the phone. This is the same as a car manufacturer recalling an entire car just because a spare wheel is faulty...