Terrible service from Woolworths Food

2 months ago I made a purchase of groceries at Woolworths, upon making payment the teller informed me that the payment did not go through, I showed her an SMS from my bank confirming payment and she assured me it would reverse automatically. After spending hours in the store I was finally asked to make another payment for the goods, which I did. I paid twice for the same items and it never reveresed.

I went back to Woolies and was told to go back to my bank and bring proof that the payment wasn't reversed - I provided 3 months bank statements. A few weeks later I followed up - the query was not resolved. I was told to rather follow up with head office, I made some calls and complained that despite the mistake coming from woolies, I am the one being sent from pillar to post. After complaining the branch manager told me yet again to go back to my bank to resolve the matter - funds were never credited to Woolworths and the money is hanging somewhere in the banks system.

I went back to my bank and was informed that Woolworths has my money, they were credited twice and no money is "hanging anywhere". I called the branch manager back and explained, he asked me to rather contact head office. I called head office and they said I should rather speak with the branch manager.

No one is able to assist or is even keen to resolve the matter. All that has been done is pass the buck - blaming my bank.

This is like theft - I paid twice and Woolworths has refused to refund me despite me providing proof of payment and my bank confirming many times that funds were credited to Woolworths.

Theft and terrible customer service!!!