Shocking Treatment from Vodacom Repairs (Phone still under guaranty and refusing to replace)

I received a phone from Vodacom 4 months ago - after 4 weeks of having the phone the battery started giving me issues. I received the phone in Durban, however live in JHB. I thus took the phone to a Vodacom in JHB - the store told me that I had to take it back to where I received the phone. Following which, I had to wait till I was back in Durban in order to send it in for repairs (once in Durban it turns out the I could have done it in JHB but was negligently misinformed by the Vodacom employee). The battery was bulging from both sides (obviously I was given a faulty phone!!!!).

I have now been told by Vodacom that I have to pay over R5000 (more than the worth of the phone) to repair same. The phone should still be under guarantee and should be replaced. No one is willing to assist or give guidance. Absolutely shocking!!