R40k of my money locked up and detained by Standard Bank

Help, Standard Bank have suddenly locked up R40k of money I need to withdraw from my Access Bond urgently.

When I opened this account in 2009/2010 Standard Bank granted me the Access Bond facility which I have been regularly using for 14 years to put money in temporarily then draw it again when I need it.

In August 2024 I made a R40k payment into my Access Bond which I needed to be able to withdraw again urgently in October, the App told me the Access Bond (after 14 years of use) “unavailable”, without me being informed, and my business’s money is now locked up in there, which I need urgently.

It was never intended as a down-payment as it's my business's money and I expected to be able to access my funds again from my Access Bond.

They told me in-branch I could request a refund for the R40k payment, so I app**** for "refund" but then it was rejected with this message:

“STANDARD BANK REF*** .. We unable to refund as excess funds were withdrawn more than what was paid in”

This is not even true! I did not draw anything since putting in the R40 payment on 24 August.

I have a reasonable expectation as a customer under the principles in h the National Consumer Act that if Standard Bank have allowed me to use the Access Bond facility for 14 years that it should not suddenly be locked up without informing me in advance, particularly in situations where access to my own funds can be restricted. This is effectively borderline theft.

I intend to raise this with the National Consumer Commission if this is not resolved, and/or Banking Ombudsman.

Are Standard Bank doing this on a wide scale to many people?