TakeAlot acts in bad faith

I purchased a 20 liter bucket of Plascon paint on Takealot on 8/11/2023 which was delivered to me on 14/11/2023. By then I had realized that I needed much more than one bucket and decided to purchase a different product from a local store and had no use for the Takealot paint. I logged the return collection on 16/11/2023 as the option of bringing it in myself was not available. The unwanted paint was collected from me on 17/11/2023. The paint was sealed and without any damage. The driver took photos of the product in front of me to witness the same. On 21/11/2023, I received notice on Takealot App that my refund has been declined as the paint was opened and paint stains were found upon inspection. I got in contact with Takealot helpline and insisted that this was certainly not opened by me and was probably damaged in transit to the return facility. The agent then said that the product will be returned to me and that I should re-log the return and change the reason for return. Why should I??? My reason to return is that I no longer required the product. Why am I been given the runaround. I will be taking this further to the CPA ombudsman should this not be resolved. TAKEALOT REFERENCE: MRRN-VBMN5-65PV.