Woolworths card - ********** transaction not resolved 3 months later

I am a so called Woolworths VIP black cardholder and I have been for more than 12 years. I settle my large credit card debt every month in full and consider myself a loyal, creditworthy customer. My experience however with Woolworths has just seemed to have deteriorated over the past two years and I'm FED UP. I had ***** on my card in early January 2021. I actually reported it to ABSA and copied Woolworths into the subsequent email I wrote to ABSA, in the hopes that that Woolworths would expedite the resolution of the issue as they know me as a customer. Well Woolworths turned out to be the BIG issue (Needless to say I've had the usual unhelpful, apathetic service from ABSA regarding the issue). I was told that unless I could prove having reached out to the merchant about the ***** that they would not assist - REALLY I must prove I contacted a ********** party to ask for my money back. I was flabbergasted as instead of getting assistance from Woolworths, I was being given conditions to fulfill first before they would assist in getting my money refunded. I was also made out to be the problem when in fact it is clear that the bank and it's poor ***** prevention systems are erroneous. I have had absolutely no further correspondence from either Woolworths or ABSA since 15 January 2021 and it is now over 3 months later!! Absolutely disgusting service from a company that I loyally support. I would like to be contacted by the most senior person available who is capable of solving this issue as a matter of urgency. Please do not waste my time Woolworths by giving me someone to deal with who can't make decisions or who has no influence in the matter!