The owner of the rental property told www.mobserver.co.za on the scene that the intruder entered the home after breaking through a window at the front of the property.

The woman inside, whose husband works in eMalahleni, saw the intruder entering the home from her bedroom.

The woman armed herself and when the man attempted to enter the bedroom, a shot was fired, fatally hitting him.

A large police contingent was gathered at the scene when www.mobserver.co.za arrived.

The commander told www.mobserver.co.za that though details were sketchy for now, the woman had warned the intruder to leave the house before firing. Police declined to comment further.

The identity of the intruder cannot be revealed at this stage.

He was declared dead by paramedics upon arrival.