Takealot stating that I sent a damaged item

I had purchased an ALVA Double Burner LP Gas Stove | Stainless Steel Body | 2 Plate and thereafter I found the item cheaper on Amazon, so I purchased one from there. I requested to do a return on the ALVA Double Burner LP Gas Stove | Stainless Steel Body | 2 Plate. Please note I had checked that I had not opened or used the item. Once received Takealot then tells me that I sent a damaged item back to them with photos. As a customer who had never opened the box, how would I have known if the item was damaged before or after I received it. It could have got damaged by the courier drivers when transporting? I reached out to support and was told once I received the item I can request for another return. I tried doing so once I received the item and it now tells me the item is non refundable and I must reach out to the supplier. It seems like Takealot no longer wants to get involved now because I raised a query and I must deal directly with the supplier