Return rejected without explanation

I bought a portable steel braai and on the second occasion of me using it the metal plates warped to such an extent that the coals fell out the bottom. I returned the item with an explanation of what had happened.

Two weeks later I received an email informing me that my return had been rejected due to 'damage arising from negligence, user abuse or incorrect usage of the product'. WHAT?

I asked for an explanation as to how my actions were negligent, how I abused or incorrectly used the product. To date I have not received a response. Typical.

I used the product for the purpose that it was intended but due to a design flaw it failed. Now it's my fault. Pathetic.