Royal grabbed a 47th point and with it top spot as Abantu Bemthetho slumped out of the play-off positions.
The Hammer Boys were full value for this important win, which leaves the Natal Rich Boyz second, just a point above Sekhukhune.
The Spirited Ones' hopes of a top-three finish diminished considerably after Babina Noko undid their long ten-game unbeaten run with a penalty.
Thanks to another goal from the promising Mpho Khabane, Ea Lla Koto still has an outside chance of a PSL return.
The Romans secured their status for another season, whereas the Urban Warriors need to at least win their final two fixtures.
A tenth loss for Ezenkosi, who're eleven points off the pace, while AmaTuks still have some work to do to avoid relegation.
Rise and Shine are finally safe from the drop but already doomed We Hunt To Kill's goal difference increased to -20.
Steenberg are stuck in the danger zone, one point behind Cape Town Spurs.