Toshiba's Ostrich syndrome

Bought a Toshiba external drive via Takealot after a year it just stopped working. Guarantee in box says 2 year warranty. Takealot says they only get 6 months ex- Toshiba so I must take it up on my own. Contacted Toshiba. They asked for Serial No. Sent it to them. Silence. Mailed their info and repeated the above. No feedback. The product seems to reflect their service attitude.