unauthorised set off debit order (****** as my money was taken without consent because its in a standardbank bank account)

i experienced a very distasteful experience for the 1st time in 11 years banking with standardbank , i was unemployed since may 2017 i advised the bank i will not afford to pay , i was handed over to their lawyers and legal team , i laised with the collectors and could not reach an agreement for a amount i advised them 50.00 pm instead of 400 as i am unemployed , they did not acceot my request , i continued to pay R50, i just recently got a job and to my surprise they just set off a d/o without my knowledge , when i asked why i was told its lawful for them to take funds in my account without notifying me as i owe them . when i requested a reversal so a arrangement can be made , i was told to send through a request and await feedback but it is not gauranteed i will be reimbursed , its my 2nd month on the job, december i am already absent twice as i have no funds to get to work , my issue is that i was not notified of the offset and if owing standard bank means they can just take money out of my account if and when they please it inconviniences people because not only was i stranded and couldnt get home , i was not assisted on the 06/12/18, the same department which had to assist transfared my call twive to other departments after being on the phone over 30mins , i was transfared back to collections who then advised they are closed and cant assist . i just pray the funds will be reversed for me to be able retain my job and be able to settle the account if not, will it be legal to hold the bank liable for loss of income as they debited a bugeted amount for transport to my place of employment for the month .