Very unhappy with service

I bought a cellphone Techno pop at Mr Price on the 04/09/2021 for my 8 year old which cost me R999. In December 2021 the phone just frozen could not use the touch screen whe I returned the cellphone to Mr Price I was explained that Vodacom is the manufacturer of the phone and that a technician from vodacom will collect the cellphone. Not even 2days later I was contacted for Mr Pricre stating that Vodacom is unable to have a look at the phone and that it had a scratch on the screen and the back cover is cracked. I failed to understand how can a small scratch affect the phone to freeze. I was also told should the technician take the phone I will be liable for the repair cost. I am so annoyed as this was not explained to us. I just want my sons phone to be checked and fixed as it is under warranty.