Poor in store experience and incorrect payment handling

Good day,I would like to lodge a formal complaint regarding a very disappointing experience I have had with Woolworths Food.On Monday, 02/02, I visited a Woolworths Food store and purchased a few items. I had R270 available on my Woolworths Store Card, and I clearly instructed the cashier to deduct R270 from my store card and charge the remaining balance to my debit card.Due to an error at the till, the amount was incorrectly deducted, and when I attempted to swipe my debit card, the transaction did not go through. I did not have cash with me at the time and therefore could not take the items. I was advised by the store supervisor that the funds would be reversed and reflected back in my account the next day (03/02).I returned on 03/02, but the funds had still not reflected. I was then advised to wait 48 hours. On 04/02, I returned again and was given the same response — no funds reflected. After a long wait and further enquiry, I was eventually told that the funds would only reflect after 5 working days, which was never communicated initially.When I returned to the store again, I found that the funds had only reflected on 10/02. By that time, I had already paid cash for the same items due to the delay and inconvenience.I then attempted to return the items purchased with cash so that the amount could be refunded and charged back onto my store card, as advised telephonically earlier that day. However, upon arriving at the store (for the fifth time), the manager refused the return, stating that their system does not work that way and that the items could not be processed because the barcodes do not appear on the slip.I work in retail myself and am fully aware that all items have barcodes and can be processed correctly. Additionally, these items were not being returned to the shelf but were meant to be charged back onto my store card — so I do not understand the refusal.The constant miscommunication, incorrect information, repeated store visits, and lack of accountability have completely changed my perception of Woolworths. This is a brand known for quality and service, yet this experience has been exhausting and unacceptable.I am requesting:

• A clear explanation for the incorrect handling of my payment
• Assistance with processing the refund correctly
• An apology for the inconvenience and poor service experienced

I hope Woolworths will address this matter seriously and restore the standard of service it is known for.Kind regards,
Aaliyah