Former employer refuses to help with my Provident funds claim

I worked for 2 good years at Wimpy Highveld Mall, I was only retrenched during lockdown under favouritism conditions. I worked hard, I availed myself even on my day offs. Yet when I ask for my Provident funds, they give me a run around. I begged them for almost Four years to release my funds but still even today I'm being told to contact people who were not there when I was employed there, they also refuse to help. I have a child who is almost one, I tried my best to access my money. When I insist they apply for me they are now threatening to sue me where as I humbled myself to get help. I also tried to apply by myself but they company says they need my employer to apply.