Unexpected contract and R116,000 debt on my personal MTN number.

I have been an MTN customer for several years and have been using the same number since around 2018/2019. I originally purchased my SIM card from a retail store for personal use. I did not purchase a cellphone on contract, nor do I recall ever agreeing to or signing up for a business/contract account with MTN.

A few months ago, my number suddenly lost service. I received an SMS instructing me to visit my nearest MTN store because my SIM had apparently been “Rica barred”. I went to the store expecting assistance with restoring my service.

However, I was then informed that my number(s) were apparently linked to a contract and that I allegedly owed MTN approximately R116,000. This was extremely shocking because I have never knowingly entered into such a contract, and I had never received any communication informing me that I had an active contract, monthly instalments, or an outstanding balance of this amount.

I have also not received the usual monthly SMS/email notifications that one would reasonably expect when there is an account requiring payment. Had I known that an account or contract existed in my name, I would have addressed the matter much earlier.

What concerns me most is that I am now worried about the possibility of being negatively listed or having my credit record affected by a debt that I dispute and was not aware of.

I contacted MTN again and was advised to inform the consultant that my number had been Rica barred and that my service needed to be restored. However, I still need clarity regarding how this alleged contract was created, when it was created, what documentation or consent MTN has on record, and how an amount of approximately R116,000 became associated with my number.

I am requesting that MTN properly investigate this matter and provide me with the documentation proving the alleged contract/account, including the date it was opened, the agreement and/or consent used to open it, a full breakdown of the alleged R116,000 debt, and an explanation of why I was not previously informed of the account or outstanding balance.

I am not refusing to resolve a legitimate account. I am disputing an account/contract that I did not knowingly enter into and would like this matter formally investigated and resolved before it negatively affects my credit record.

I would appreciate a written response and a clear explanation of how this situation occurred.