Deposit not refunded after multiple requests

I booked Rusticana for an event and paid a R5 000 deposit. I cancelled the event five months in advance. The venue deducted R1 500 as an ‘admin fee’ but has not refunded the remaining R3 500. I have contacted the owner multiple times and even sent a letter of demand through a lawyer, but I have still received nothing. I share this review to let others be aware of the risks when paying a deposit.