“Evidence has been brought to the attention of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit (PCLU) of the NPS (National Prosecuting Authority) and there’s reasonable suspicion that crimes against humanity may have been committted,” communications head Bulelwa Makeke told AFP.

The Association of Martyrs of Antananarivo Merina Square, a Malagasy group, laid a complaint with the NPA four months ago through South African lawyers, according to a report in the Sunday Times newspaper.

It submitted a 100-page file of affidavits by alleged victims, video footage and international reports on events in Madagascar before Ravalomanana was ousted, according to the newspaper.

These include victims of 2009 unrest that led to his ouster.

He faces life in prison back home after being sentenced in absentia for the killing of demonstrators by his presidential guard during protests that led to his overthrow in 2009. Thirty-six people were killed and hundreds wounded.

A 26-year-old mother of two claimed her left eye and nose was destroyed after she was shot in the face outside his presidential palace, she said in an affidavit, according to the newspaper.

“Presently I cannot see and have difficulty breathing,” she said.

In July victims of the 2009 unrest filed a $23 million lawsuit against Ravalomanana in a South African court.

The former leader has been exiled in South Africa since 2009.

The Indian Ocean island of Madagascar has been mired in political crisis since interim president Andry Rajoelina overthrew Ravalomanana’s government in March 2009 with the army’s support.

Rajoelina and Ravalomanana last year signed a “roadmap” toward elections, which will be held in May next year.