Unauthorized opening of savings account on my name.

I settled my two accounts (Loans) with African Bank recently. The transaction was made while on the call with a consultant, I was promised that I would receive my paid up letters within 3 to 4 days via email. Seven days passed and I decided to call in, the consultant now explained that there was an outstanding amount of less than R10 on each account, which I couldn't understand because the settlement amount on the settlement letter was paid in full during the call with the consultant, so where did the outstanding balances come from. The consultant then said she will escalate and have it written off and the paid up letters sent.

Three days later I called again. Same story, balances of less then R10 on each account, the consultant had one account closed and sent the paid up letter, the other account could now not be closed because I had to go to a branch and have a FICA clearance done. Eventually had to take unpaid time off from work as I work as a contractor to go to a bank. Get to the branch, no more than 4 min, I had the paid letter printed and sent to me via email. The consultant asked me if I wanted a savings account with African bank, I directly made it very clear that I do not want a savings account with African bank as I already more than one bank account. No problem, left the branch being happy that I settled the accounts and had received my paid up letter.

Next day, I receive numerous sms's saying I need to complete my application for a new savings account with African bank. Next one said I must to go to a branch to collect my card as the amount is ready for use.

The next day called in, consultant said they closed the account, I asked for proof, they said there is no proof as the account wasn't fully activated.

Next day, I received the same Sms's again, my card is ready for collection... Called in again, now they can't complete the verification process because my face can't be scanned via their verification process via WhatsApp.

Now I am stuck with an account that I will be liable for paying service fees, which I never asked or gave permission for to be opened...

Just to hear from my wife that she experienced the same issue with African not to long ago.

Is this even legal?