******** Deductions After 10 Years – MTN South Africa

I am extremely disappointed with MTN South Africa. My wife had a cellphone contract with them back in 2015. Due to financial hardship, we were unable to continue payments. For nearly 10 years, we heard absolutely nothing from MTN—no calls, no letters, no legal action. Then, starting in October 2025, MTN began deducting R689.36 from her bank account every month without any consent, signed agreement, or verbal authorization. This is completely unacceptable and *********. This debt is clearly prescribed under South African law. According to the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, most consumer debts—including cellphone contracts—expire after three years if no payment is made, no acknowledgment of debt is given, and no legal action is taken. Furthermore, Section 126B of the National Credit Act (NCA) explicitly states: “No person may continue the collection of, or re-activate a debt under a credit agreement to which this Act applies – which debt has been extinguished by prescription under the Prescription Act.”

MTN had more than enough time to pursue this debt legally, but they chose not to. Now, they’re helping themselves to money from our account without any communication or justification. This is a violation of consumer rights and a breach of financial ethics. We demand that these deductions stop immediately and that all ********ly debited funds be refunded. MTN’s behavior is a blatant disregard for the law and for the dignity of their customers.