PHD Ministries Housing Crisis: Hundreds of Congregants Left Homeless and Penny-less

BY MAGAYA NEWS REPORTER | 4 MAR 2026 | 4 VIEWS

HARARE – What was promised as a "divine housing miracle" has turned into a nightmare for hundreds of members of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. The ambitious housing scheme, launched by Prophet Walter Magaya several years ago, has reportedly collapsed, leaving many families who invested their life savings with nothing to show for it. The victims, many of whom are low-income earners, are now demanding justice and the return of their hard-earned money.

The scheme encouraged congregants to "seed" money for residential stands in areas like Westgate and Bulawayo. Magaya allegedly told his followers that God had instructed him to provide affordable housing for the faithful. Enticed by the Prophet's charisma and the promise of homeownership, many sold assets or took out loans to participate. Years later, many of these "stands" remain undeveloped bushland, with no title deeds in sight and mounting evidence that the land was never legally available for sale.

Investigators have uncovered a web of shell companies and questionable land acquisitions linked to the project. In one instance, a group of investors was shown a farm in Norton as their future home site, only to discover later that the property belonged to the former Reserve Bank Governor, Dr. Gideon Gono. This level of deception has led to dozens of fraud charges being filed against Magaya and his associates at Planet Africa.

The emotional toll on the affected families is profound. During a recent meeting of the victims, many shared stories of broken marriages and financial ruin. "We trusted him because he is a man of God," said one tearful congregant who lost over US$15,000. "Now we have no home and no money to pay for our children's school fees." The sense of betrayal is palpable, as the very person they looked to for spiritual guidance is now the subject of their legal grievances.

Despite the growing outcry, PHD Ministries has maintained a stance of "spiritual trials," urging members to remain patient and faithful. However, as the legal cases move toward trial, the pressure on Magaya to provide a concrete resolution or face significant prison time is reaching a breaking point. The housing scandal remains one of the most damaging episodes in the history of the ministry.