Standard Bank blocks accounts without prior notice

Are banks allowed to block a personal account without prior notice? Standard Bank did exactly that - blocked my personal account on 25 September 2020, an afternoon before the weekend. No notification was given in the form of email nor phone call. The purchase of food, electricity and fuel was hampered and posed a major challenge especially with two minor children to take care of. My card was declined on Friday night and Saturday at speedpoints in a grocery store and at ATMs. Does the bank not take cognisance that basic needs must be met such as fuel, food, electricity for a family before employing such aggressive methods. What processes should banks follow before doing this? It has become all too apparent lately that the tactics employed by banks is one of bullying - when will this stop!?

After several calls to the bank, the fist consultant who handled the call could was not capable of providing reasonable answers, even with the information that she had at her disposal. This conversation itself turned out unpleasant due to the lack of professionalism of the consultant. By the second call, at least some information was revealed. It seems that Standard Bank does not know what their appointed attorneys are doing, neither does the appointed attorney know what they are doing. Standard Bank, without having the facts at hand it seems, takes such drastic measures by its Angie Mhlongo (Risk Management) to block my account. Answers are needed and this matter will be escalated for investigation. The inconveniences this has caused is immense and can never be underestimated.

Standard Bank must provide answers as to the reasons why this has happened as the reasons provided by the consultants are not sufficient and do not warrant what the blocking of my account.