Swallows opened the scoring through Nkosinathi Nkambule but Morgan van Rooyen equalised for the Team of Choice at Harry Gwala Stadium.
The result leaves the Dube Birds on three points from six games - two points behind United.
Swallows skipper Fortune Makaringe was at the heart of his side's early forays, and contributed to their goal on 20 minutes as his cross was converted by Nkambule.
The lead, however, was short-lived, as Maritzburg deservedly hit back 10 minutes later from the penalty spot. The influential Van Rooyen sent Serbian goalkeeper Obren Cuckovic the wrong way after Athenkosi Fokwana was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Both sides had chances afterwards but the likes of Swallows' Siphesihle Nxumalo and Maritzburg's Sandile Dlamini lacked decisiveness in front of goal.
Maritzburg: Tawfeeq Salie, Tsebeletso Mtjotji, Mphakamiseni Nene, Veyuyeke Zulu, Ayren Bond (Mondli Ndlovu 90'), Deolin Mekoa (Ayanda Nkosi '53), Morgan van Rooyen, Philani Zulu, Siphelele Mkhuluse (Lindokuhle Zondi 72'), Menzi Chilii, Andile Dlamini.
Swallows: Obren Cuckovic, Athenkosi Langa, Manqoba Khumalo, Lindokuhle Gumede, Lerato Sekhotho, Zipho Ngcobo, Fortune Makaringe (captain), Nkosinathi Nkambule (Sam Mnguni 77'), Sphesihle Nxumalo (Philane Cele 45'), Sifiso Valashiya, Sam Mnguni.