United's technical director Mich D’Avray has been appointed caretaker boss of the Absa Premiership strugglers, with Fadlu Davids continuing in his role as assistant coach.
The club released a statement, which said: 'Chippa United FC has suspended incumbent coach Ernst Middendorp with immediate effect pending the outcome of an investigation and possible hearing to follow. As this is an internal process no further details will be supplied.
'Our technical director Mich D’Avray will be the caretaker coach until such time as the matter is finalised and our assistant coach Mr. Fadlu Davids continues in his current role.'
Middendorp failed to claim a victory at the Port Elizabeth-based outfit - who are three points above the drop zone with six matches left - after replacing Roger Sikhakhane in the festive break.
Under the German's watch, Chippa drew four games and lost four in all competitions.