Takealots ongoing "Investigating" Saga Continues... With no end in sight

I purchased items for my mum on the 26th of August 2024. The items ordered was a rectangular bakeware item and 6 bowls. On the 6th of September 2024 I received delivery of the bakeware item only and immediately checked my online profile to check whether the order was possibly split for delivery. It reflected online that both the bakeware item as well as the bowls had been delivered to me. I immediately phoned Takealot and was advised by the consultant that they would need to investigate the matter but in the interim she presented me with 3 options (ie. A credit to my Takealot account or a refund to my bank account or wait for the bowls).. I requested a refund to my bank account. When asked how long this would take she estimated between 5 to 7 working days. When the 7 day period was reached but no monies had been refunded nor any response from Takealot was provided regarding my issue I contacted Takealot again to find out what was going on. I was then advised that their supplier acknowledged a packaging error and "forgot" to send me my bowls so the Takealot agent asked me again if I'd like a refund or the bowls... I asked for the bowls if the supplier was able to provide me with same. However, if the supplier did not have any stock then I would like the credit to be refunded to my Takealot account. I was advised by the Takealot agent again that they would provide feedback and to remain patient. I waited again (a few days had passed) before I wrote another email regarding feedback on my order / possible credit to my Takealot account. I received a response that the matter was being investigated. I have been sending numerous emails to Takealot and this is the only feedback that they seem to provide to me. "Please be patient and your matter has been escalated".. Despite these "escalations" I have still not received any feedback from Takealot nor it's supplier regarding my bowls. It is now the 26th of September and I have still received NOTHING! All I am asking for is that if the supplier cannot fulfill my order, then MY monies should be refunded to me! I have been a loyal customer of Takealots for years but their lack of service (and it's associated 3rd party sellers) has me reconsidering whether to do future business with them. I am being made to feel like a ***** for asking for my own monies but they're the ones not fulfilling their responsibilities! How utterly disappointing!