Vodacom repairs is synonymous with water damage

I upgraded on boxing day 2017. The phone's touch screen did not respond well from the start, but I thought, maybe I must just get used to the new phone. It escalated over the next 4 months to the point where the phone is unusable. I took my phone in for repairs, I got a text saying a warranty repair takes x amount of days followed by I can come and collect my phone. Went to collect my phone, no feedback was given to me by the consultant, so I, being a trusting sort, thought the phone was fixed. It was soon apparent it was not. I took my phone in for repairs a second time. Same text regarding warranty repair and then I can come and collect my phone. And once again, upon prompting this time, still no feedback from the consultant so, once again I thought the phone was fixed. But alas, still not fixed. I went back to the store and this time: Oh, there is a sticker saying BER. Just that, not explaining what it means, nothing. I had to beg for information and it was then stated that it means it is Beyond Economical Repair due to, what a shocker, Vodacom's only answer: water damage. My phone is barely 4 months old and has not been in or near water. In order to lay a complaint the phone has to be booked in for a third time. Which I did, stating the bad customer service I received as well as that water damage is highly unlikely with the phone being so new. And do I not have a reasonable expectation of being able to use a new product for more than a few months? I have yet to meet the person that wanted to have a phone repaired that was not rejected on account of "water damage". Their response in a nutshell was that it is tough luck. To which I responded and said that I would really appreciate it if they help me in this regards, as the phone is so new. I was contacted and asked why I keep responding to a query that they closed.

I have never in my life experienced such bad customer service where your service provider, with whom you've been with for years, basically tells you to go away, and not in a nice way.

I am so disappointed with this whole process, the way my complaint was handled and that they now expect me to pay for this phone for another two years. My trust in Vodacom is null as:

1. I was led to believe that my phone is repaired or in the process of being repaired. 2. I was led to believe that my phone was being repaired under a warranty repair. 3. I was given no information about the status of my phone once Vodacom decided that the phone has water damage and is beyond economical repair.