Tempest stole my deposit

When I recently rented a car through Tempest, they asked to put a "hold" on my credit card for around R9 000 while I had the car for a few days, and then, on returning the car, they would release that hold and charge me the R800 or so for the actual rental. This is pretty standard practice. Nothing odd there.

Except they didn't release that hold, they just charged me the full amount. After enquiring with them, I was told no, they always charge for the full deposit and then they would refund me now for the difference. Except it's been a week since I returned the car and no refund. So they just stole R9 000 from me basically, and I have no recourse to get that money back. I have to just sit and wait in hope that one day they will refund me. Or take them to court I guess.

Absolutely shocking.