Quick to debit, slow to repay

Grab some popcorn and settle into a comfortable chair.

Actually, long story, short. Last year October I discovered that a ********** account had been opened in my name. Clearly inside job, because they had bank details and debits had been going off. Anyway, I visited the Rivonia "service" centre and gave notice of my concerns. Again to make a long story short, after two visits to a police station to a) open a case of ***** (as advised by the consultant) and b) just swear an affidavit (after the police told me to not waste their time). Eventually managed to get a "query number" from MTN. (Ever tried to follow up on their 808 number?) Come November and I hadn't heard a peep, so went into the Mall of Africa "service" centre. The kind lady went on the computer and couldn't find my query, so opened a NEW one. Luckily, I had the requisite documents (sworn affidavit, certified copies, etc..remember I have been through it before). She does reveal that the account has been flagged as ********** and the account has been credited with what they owe me. I ask for a refund, and she has to refer to it "upstairs". It's now February, and for the life of me, after multiple mails, I cannot get an answer as to when I will get the money back. I cannot blame the lady at the Mall of Africa, who has at least responded to my mails and tried to help me out. But obviously the decision doesn't lie with her. So quick to take your money, but like frozen syrup to pay back what they owe.