Refusal of service for IPAD fault due to IMEI

I have a contract with VODACOM for an IPAD which is now faulty, went to Vodacom store and was turned away as my IPAD does not have the IMEI number on it... and VODACOM does not have it on their system!!!<br> <br> How can you provide me with a contract and then not have the sufficient information on your SYSTEM to assist with a faulty IPAD under YOUR COMPANIES CONTRACT!<br> <br> This is unacceptable!