Telkom ripoff

I am behind on payments due to unemployment, therefore the line was suspended. Fair. I then called them to cancel as even if the line is suspended, they continue charging you (I call bull****). They refused.

They told me that an account can't be canceled if it is suspended. I requested the cancellation in order to afford the amount I have to pay, but they declined this and told me it will remain suspended, I will continue being charged and I cannot cancel until I pay.

How can this be?