Bureaucratic hoop jumping

My pre-paid sim and paid-for phone were ****** yesterday.<br> <br> I visited Tygervalley VodaCare, VodaShop and VodaChatz. None could block my sim or phone.<br> I needed to produce:<br> the original packaging of the sim card, <br> proof of address, <br> police-affidavit proof that the number belongs to me, <br> IMEI number, <br> my last airtime purchases, <br> the last 5 numbers dialed (all while miles from home) - ultimately I just want my old number again.<br> <br> I then visited Vodashop in V&A. My sim was finally blocked 24hrs later, but not the phone (Samsung wiped it in 30 seconds). I was told the sim-swap would be done, but a call to the call-centre proved that it wasn't. As I can't say what the last 5 numbers dialed were, nor what I last exchanged talking points for (done once in my life, months ago), apparently I will never get my number back.<br> <br> Clearly RICA is to protect them, and offers no security to the client. I have felt like a circus act, jumping through hoops, only to get whipped with \sorry sirs\" till I want to scream.<br> Serious thumbs down to not finding a way to keep a client, because the instant I have the number, I will leave a company I have used for nearly 15 years. <br> <br> And STILL I don't have my old number"