over charged

We were charged R1800 in order for our electricity n water not to be cut off. We paid R2000 instead this was in august. Then 2 months later the bill is up to R3700+, when normally monthly we pay R700+. I took it upon myself to go and get a clearer explanation, after having checked our meter and it shows it hasn't been touched in months yet they claim to have taken readings at the beginning of this month and the lady went on to say they dont have enough man power for taking readings. Which puzzles me meaning we pay based on peoples assumptions.