Animal Rights Africa was taking its complaint about a bull killing ritual in KwaZulu Natal to the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday morning.

The move followed numerous attempts to raise its concerns with King Goodwill Zwelithini.

The Ukweshwama Festival takes place at the King’s palace in Nongoma in northern KwaZulu Natal in the first week of December.

Around the same time, young Zulu men are expected to kill a bull barehanded as a test of their strength and courage.

Animal Rights Africa has however labelled the ritual extremely cruel.

Preparations for the festival are forging ahead, despite the pending court battle.

The King meanwhile has reportedly gone into isolation to meditate, as this is part of the custom.