Telkom Service incompetence

I bought a LTE modem from Telkom approximately 10 months ago. I got it on a contract with them for which I pay a monthly fee. The modem stopped working and call centre advised I need to take it into the store, which I did.<br> The store refused to send it in for a repair unless I could furnish proof of purchase, despite my being on a contract!<br> They preferred for me to cancel this contract, which I duly did, than accept the defective device for repairs.<br> <br> How can this be acceptable under our consumer protection act?<br> I cancelled my contract with Telkom, and will take out a new contract with one of the many other data providesr