By Own Correspondent| In a report, the Mail and Telegraph alleges that Government spent close to $8 million United States Dollars on the purchase of weapons.

The development follows reports that Zimbabwe was running out of various weapons including tear gas, rubber bullets, helmets, among many other items.

A source who spoke to Mail and Telegraph said the weapons were purchased last week with funds released in two batches by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Revealed the source:

The first transaction of US$5,9 million was released last week Monday at the time Zimbabwe experienced a violent mass action as citizens and activists protested over rising cost of living. On Monday this week a balance of US$2 million was paid and the consignment is expected in the country in the next few weeks. The government is boosting its artillery and increase their state of preparedness in case of any unrest as the masses are becoming militant by the day. They want to maintain peace and tranquility in the country.

The weapons were reportedly bought from an arms company in Israel.

Efforts to get a comment from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya on Wednesday were futile as his mobile phone was switched off.-Mail and Telegraph