Takealot refusing CPA return for defective Crocs after multiple contradictory responses

I purchased a pair of Crocs Women's Getaway Strappy sandals from Takealot. When the recipient tried them on for the first time, the upper straps were already overstretched and did not hold properly.

The sandals were only tried on once indoors to confirm the issue. A Crocs store advised that this appears to be a manufacturing defect.

I logged a return request within 38 days, which is within the Consumer Protection Act's 6-month imp**** warranty period for defective goods.

Over the past two weeks, multiple Takealot agents have provided different reasons for declining the return: first the 30-day policy, then a 7-day reporting rule, and most recently that the item was “dirty”.

Each response contradicts the previous one, despite acknowledging that the defect was present on delivery.

I am simply requesting that this be assessed correctly under Section 56 of the CPA.