MTN deactivates your SIM & Takes your number without warning!

I have 2 MTN Numbers. One is my main one, and one belonged to my fiance that passed away. Obviously for sentimental reasons I want to keep his number. I have used his number to receive my emails and other stuff on. I did not recharge for a while yes, but NO warning SMS told me of their intention to deactivate it, especially during this Corono time, who keeps count o fhow many days last you used the thing?? I called into MTN and was told to go in and have it RICA'd. Which I did. Next day the phone or rather the SIM was working. 3 days later, I saw it stated "emergency calls" only. I called MTN again. Lady asked for the number on the SIM, and told me within 2 hours I can use the number again. No such luck, waited another day just to give it some time to work. Called back just now, and MTN agent advised me that I CAN'T GET THE NUMBER BACK IT HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED ??? I WANT MY NUMBER BACK PLEASE. It HAS NOT been given to anyone, as I called it and it clearly states it is NOT available on the MTN network.

Please can my number be returned to me. :-(