"Our classifiers have been at the gallery already. We are busy compiling a report and we hope to issue a statement later this afternoon," FPB spokesman Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase said.

The portrait, on display in Johannesburg's Goodman Gallery, was criticised by Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, the Black Management Forum (BMF), and the SA Students' Congress earlier on Monday.

The painting was an insult to the majority of South Africans and "if that is art, I don't know what an insult is," Radebe said at a briefing on the transformation of the justice system.

The BMF described the painting as a "tasteless depiction" of Zuma and an "attack on the dignity and institutional office of the President of the Republic".

The SA Students' Congress said the painting was an attack on the morals of African culture.

The 1.85m-high painting titled "The Spear" is part of artist Brett Murray's "Hail to the Thief II" exhibition.

The portrait has sparked debate about freedom of expression and the right to dignity and privacy.

The African National Congress was set to argue in court on Tuesday that the painting should be removed because it violated Zuma's right to dignity and made a mockery of his office.