An uneventful first half was characterised by an inept Kaizer Chiefs who appeared in desperate need of a proven goalscorer.
Ashley du Preez missed the best chance of the first half, with defender Dillan Solomons likewise failing to trouble the Richards Bay goalkeeper with an attempt at goal.
The two teams entered the half-time break with the score goalless with little goalmouth action to mention.
The Natal Rich Boys took a surprise lead in the 64th minute as Simphiwe Mcineka scored with a header from a corner kick in front of a delirious home crowd.
The goal proved decisive with Chiefs failing to draw themselves back into the contest.
The defeat sees Chiefs sink to a new low having registered just one point from their last five matches, with a solitary win from 13 matches.
The win for Richards Bay importantly stretches their gap to eight points to Cape Town Spurs in the automatic relegation spot ahead of a showdown between the two relegation strugglers at Athlone Stadium on Friday.
