Renting a car. Be careful

We rented a car from this company on the 27th of July 2023. On signing the agreement we were not offered any optional assurance. We were under the impression that the cover would have been included. On taking possession of the car we were not given the opportunity to pre inspect the car as there was no staff available. A quick inspection by ourselves included a quick scan of the body etc. We traveled on the highway and the main provincial road to Sabie. The next day we noticed a few drops of an oil-like substance under the car. The day after we informed the company by text message on the emergency number provided. As we have had no reply or assistance we drove the vehicle to the nearest town that had a agent that could inspect the car. On the way to the agent the engine light went on and we had to stop at a smaller town on the way. At 8h00 we again texted and eventually had to phone the emergency number. We were told that someone from the company would phone us back and that a replacement vehicle is already on the way. After 13h15 we had to phone the company again and eventually had to learn that no arrangements have been made to accomodate us. A replacement vehicle eventually arrived after 21h30. Because of the delay we had to make special arrangements to enter the Kruger Park after the closure of the gates.

After inquiries into the first vehicle we were told that we would be held liable for any damages to the vehicle.

Eventually after a request for an update we were send some pictures showing a cracked oil pan from where the oil was leaking from. The agent quoted an amount of around R30000 to fix the car.

As the company was holding a deposit for this amount already we awaited the final report.

We informed the company that we traveled on main roads only and that we never encountered any potholes or other obstructions on the road. We also never felt any hard knock or any other bumps. On our return to China we had to learn that Woodford had taken two additional amounts a week apart equaling 23000 RMB or around R 60000 from our credit card without any correspondence to us.

Inquiries as to how and on what authority they could deduct these monies has not been answered. Is it standard practice for a car company not to include breakage insurance in the rental price? Can a company also just unilaterally deduct any amount on multiple occasions from a credit card?