Booth Hospitality Group has confirmed the arrest of its former General Manager, Fox Bile, following a comprehensive internal investigation into widespread financial misconduct, irregularities, and theft during his tenure.

The arrest marks a turning point for the prominent Johannesburg hospitality group, which has faced significant operational and reputational hurdles.

According to Booth Hospitality Group founder Abolore Jaji, the fallout extends far beyond the company’s balance sheet, severely impacting the livelihoods of employees, artists, hosts, suppliers, and service providers who depend on the organisation’s nightlife and entertainment venues.

In a personal statement, Jaji disclosed that the business has endured severe financial losses, intense pressure on cash flow, strained client relationships, and acute reputational damage over recent months.

The scope of the investigation goes beyond financial discrepancy.

Booth Hospitality Group is actively reviewing reports that a client database was misused to illicitly divert patrons to industry competitors.

Additionally, the group is investigating the targeted circulation of false and damaging information spread via WhatsApp broadcasts and gossip platforms.

The revelation has proved particularly damaging given the close relationship between leadership and the former general manager.

Jaji noted that he had personally mentored Bile, publicly recognised his contributions, provided career advancements, and even allocated a new BMW for his personal use.

Further allegations in Jaji’s statement outline a serious breach of privacy and trust. Bile is alleged to have unauthorisedly used Jaji’s name to obtain the private residential addresses of social media influencers under the false pretense of sending them flowers.

The statement alleges that these misrepresentations were subsequently followed by uninvited personal visits and romantic approaches. Jaji clarified that he had no knowledge of and gave no authorization for these actions.

Management has requested that anyone holding relevant broadcasts, messages, or communications sent under Jaji’s name preserve the original materials and come forward privately.

The group acknowledges that the internal turmoil trickled down to vital stakeholders. Artists, hosts, staff, and external suppliers have all experienced fractured relationships with the brand during this period.

Management stressed that verbal explanations alone are insufficient to repair the damage.

The group is actively inviting affected stakeholders to communicate directly with leadership to ensure individual grievances are understood and systematically resolved.

The primary objective remains rebuilding trust, fortifying internal corporate controls, and protecting its team.

Booth Hospitality Group emphasized that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities and supplying all necessary documentation to support the ongoing criminal case.

Leadership reminded the public that an arrest does not equate to a conviction.

The company noted that all allegations remain subject to formal determination through the South African legal system, and it explicitly intends to let the judicial process run its course rather than engaging in public trial by social media.

Looking forward, Jaji reiterated his focus on structural accountability and operational stability to return the group to its core identity.

“Booth Is Home,” Jaji stated, signaling a commitment to earning back community confidence through consistent, premium hospitality service.

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