This political conflict escalated until Sabata was arrested in 1979 for subverting the sovereignty of Parliament and the constitutional independence of Transkei, and for violating and injuring the dignity of the State President.
Before his arrest Sabata had been described as "somewhat erratic" in habits, but was also respected for having moral authority in his resistance of luxuries and criticism of how Kaiser dealt with Apartheid-era South Africa.
[1] Sabata left Transkei due to the arrest and ultimately died in exile in Zambia.
His 1989 reburial is believed to relate to the efforts of Bantu Holomisa to align himself with Dalindyebo's legacy.
He had many children and upon his death the king was succeeded by his son Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who was jailed and released in South Africa.