The Law Society of South Africa says this week's parading of three re-arrested escapees at a news conference by the authorities was shocking and concerning.
It says bringing the prisoners to a media conference had violated the men's basic human rights.
The society says the incident could be misconstrued by the public and encourage a culture of vigilantism.
The three convicts, Bongani Moyo, Themba Dube and Khumbulani Sibanda escaped from Pretoria Central prison on Tuesday.
After they were recaptured they were quizzed in front of the cameras by Correctional Services Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Correctional Services Commissioner Tom Moyane.
