Police are searching for two suspects linked to the kidnapping of a Pakistani businessman in Hluhluwe after a shootout with officers left one suspect dead.
Authorities say the businessman was abducted last Wednesday and kidnappers demanded a ransom of R200,000 for his release.
According to police, R90,000 was paid the following day, after which the victim was released on the agreement that the outstanding amount would be paid later.
The South African Police Service said members of the Empangeni Tactical Response Team arranged a controlled drop-off for the remaining ransom in an operation aimed at arresting the suspects.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said three suspects travelling in a bakkie arrived on the N2 in Empangeni on Saturday night to collect the parcel.
Netshiunda said officers confronted the suspects, triggering a shootout.
One suspect was shot and killed at the scene, while another fled into nearby bushes and escaped under cover of darkness. A third suspect drove away from the area.
Police later found the abandoned bakkie on the N2 on-ramp in Empangeni.
A firearm with a filed-off serial number was recovered from the deceased suspect.
Investigations are continuing as police intensify the search for the remaining suspects.