GIFT CARD *******

I want to warn others NOT to purchase Woolworths Gift Cards. I was given a R1000 gift card which was purchased at Woolworths, Hillcrest Corner, Durban on 21 December 2020. On 7th February I attempted to redeem the card at Woolworths, Pinecrest but was told that the balance was only R114. I went to Hillcrest corner to query this and was told I had to email the giftcard division as they are working from home. Whilst in the queue the lady in front of me had exactly the same problem with her gift card! After many follow up emails I eventually got a response stating that the card had been used in Glen Garry, Western Cape on 5 January 2021. The card was in my possession at my place of work on that date. I would like Woolworths to advise how this can have happened without the person providing the actual card. I also would like the amount to be credited back to me ASAP.