Booth Hospitality Group has confirmed the arrest of its former General Manager, Fox Bile, in connection with a case involving allegations of financial misconduct and theft.
The Johannesburg hospitality group made the announcement on Tuesday, 6 October, saying the arrest follows a period of internal investigations into alleged irregularities linked to Bile’s tenure at the company.
The group stressed that the allegations have not been proven and that the arrest should not be interpreted as a conviction.
“An arrest is not a conviction. The allegations remain subject to investigation and determination through the appropriate legal process,” Booth said in its statement.
Booth says allegations had wider impact
According to Booth founder Abolore Jaji, the matter goes beyond alleged financial losses and has affected people who rely on the business and its venues for their livelihoods.
In a personal statement issued as part of the media release, Jaji said the company had experienced “financial losses, pressure on cash flow, strained client relationships and reputational damage” during the period in question.
The group said employees, artists, hosts, suppliers and other service providers had been affected by the fallout.
Management said it is now working to address outstanding concerns and rebuild relationships with stakeholders who may have been affected.
“The Group acknowledges that an explanation alone cannot resolve every concern,” the statement said, adding that affected stakeholders had been invited to communicate directly with management so that their individual experiences could be understood and, where appropriate, addressed.
Allegations involving client information and WhatsApp messages
Booth also raised concerns about what it described as the alleged circulation of false and damaging information through WhatsApp broadcasts and gossip platforms.
The group further alleges that its client database may have been misused to divert customers towards competitors.
Booth said the allegations were particularly concerning because of the position of trust previously held by the former general manager.
Jaji said he had personally mentored and supported Bile, recognised his work and provided him with opportunities during his time at the company. The statement also says Jaji made a new BMW available for Bile’s use.
Jaji raises concerns over alleged misuse of his name
The statement also contains allegations concerning the alleged unauthorised use of Jaji’s name to obtain private home addresses belonging to influencers.
According to Jaji’s account, the addresses were allegedly requested under the representation that he wanted to send flowers. The statement says personal visits and romantic approaches allegedly followed.
Jaji maintains that he did not authorise the use of his name for those purposes.
Booth has asked anyone who may have relevant WhatsApp messages, broadcasts or requests allegedly made in Jaji’s name to preserve the original material and provide it privately to the company.
Company says stakeholders were caught in the fallout
The hospitality group says the period has placed pressure on relationships with a range of people connected to the business.
Artists, hosts, employees, suppliers and service providers have, according to Booth, experienced strained relationships with the company during the period under review.
The company says it is now focused on understanding those concerns and rebuilding trust.
Its statement says the group is working to “address outstanding concerns, rebuild relationships and restore confidence in the organisation”.
Booth also acknowledged that some stakeholders may have experienced consequences without necessarily having been directly involved in the alleged misconduct.
Booth cooperating with authorities
The company said it is cooperating with law enforcement and providing supporting information relating to the investigation.
It also indicated that it would not attempt to determine guilt through social media or public commentary.
“The company therefore intends to allow the legal process to take its course rather than attempt to determine guilt through social media or public commentary,” Booth said.
The statement is careful to refer to Bile as a former general manager and to describe the conduct under investigation as allegations.
Focus now turns to rebuilding Booth
For the hospitality group, the arrest is being positioned as part of a wider process of accountability and organisational rebuilding.
Booth says its priorities include strengthening internal controls, protecting its employees and stakeholders, repairing relationships with clients, artists and suppliers, and restoring confidence in the business.
Jaji has reiterated his commitment to accountability and strengthening the group’s operations.
The founder said the company would focus on earning back trust through the hospitality and service it provides.
