Speculation is rife regarding who will be appointed the country?s new police commissioner with KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety MEC Bheki Cele emerging as a frontrunner.

Jackie Selebi's successor is expected to be announced on Wednesday after this week's Cabinet meeting. The current police chief's contract expires on Friday.

Western Cape Police Commissioner Mwandile Petros was initially tipped to replace Selebi.

High-ranking police officers have told Eyewitness News senior police are apprehensive about Cele's "shoot to kill" attitude.

The former Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) soldier caused controversy in Nongoma, earlier this year, when he allegedly waved his firearm at Inkatha Freedom Party members.

It is also understood divisional commissioner responsible for intelligence, Raymond Lalla, is in the running for the position.