Standard bank staff misleads clients

If there was an option, I would rate it a negative 100. Ive had my standard bank account for over 10 years. After my account has been inactive for about 4 years ( in June 2016) I visited the standard bank branch in Polokwane to close my account off. The assistant who was helping asked why I wanted to close it off, and I told him I am not using it and therefore wanted to avoid unnecessary bank charges. He then told me that standard bank will not charge me for as long as the bank is not active and encouraged me to keep the account for when I might need it. 2 years later (2018) I visit the branch to find out what my account number is, Im told I owe the bank 1480 . What??? The account hasnt been active for about six years now, and I was told I wouldnt get any charges if there is no activity on my account. What now? I was told that to close off the account I would need to pay the amount or If I dont then the bank charges will keep on accumulating . I had to pay about R1500. I refuse to be held liable because of lack of knowledge about your products by your staff and their persuasive behavior that misleads people.