Vodacom NOT for NON ACADEMICS

I accidentally recharged a number which once belonged to me but has been recycled and currently used by someone in a router. I approached my bank for reversal of the transaction but was not possible and they referred me to Vodacom. I called customer services but was told that I was supposed to read and it is my own problem there is nothing they can do. When I asked if that airtime would just hang in the air, the rude lady said yes and next time you need to read. I am so disappointed as Vodacom do have the client details and view over my transaction, why cant they just transfer that airtime to my correct number??