Takealot Warranty Claim for Karrimor Gazebo Nightmare

We bought a 3mx3m "Karrimor Premium Pop Up Gazebo" from Takealot in August 2024. We used it once on 12th October 2024. When unfolding the Gazebo, poles broke. The aluminium literally cracked at the drill holes for the bolts that hold it together at the pivot points. It was subsequently logged for return under warranty from Takealot. It was picked up on the 14th august and assessed as "visible user damage which voids the warranty".

If, in the normal use of this item, it breaks apart, how is it user damage? It is made of very inferior quality parts and material which led to this breakage. Mind you it was only ever used once.

I stated the issue was not adequately addressed by Katelyn P from takealot and all I got back was a waybill number informing me that it is being shipped back to me in the broken state it went there in.

I thereafter again requested the actual issue to be attended to via email and received a response from one Herschelle H on 18th October now asking why a "return" was only logged 45 days after purchase of the gazebo. It seems he had no idea of the issue.

I rep**** stating that the issue of the warranty has not been dealt with. By simply saying the result of the damage is "user damage is unacceptable after I asked for a the comprehensive report. The flimsiness of poor quality of material of the "premium" Karrimor Gazebo is the cause of this damage. Opening and closing the structure as was designed and intended should never lead to poles breaking. This is the experience that i have had but Takealot is simply brushing me aside blaming me for this damage.

I expect a decent and coherent response from Takelaot. The gazebo is to be refunded or Takealot credit given. I will not be accepting this poor service from Takealot.